Doubly differential measurements for multiple ionization of argon by electron impact: Comparison with positron impact and photoionization

Doubly differential cross sections for single and multiple ionization of Ar have been measured for 500, 750, and 1000 eV electron impact. The cross sections were measured as a function of projectile energy loss and scattering angle. The energy loss range was 0–85 % of the initial projectile energy and scattering angles were between [Formula Presented] The data were put on an absolute scale by normalizing to total ionization cross sections available in the literature and found to be in good agreement with the absolute electron impact cross sections from DuBois and Rudd. For 750 eV impact, a comparison was made between the present electron impact data and positron impact data obtained using the same experimental conditions. The same energy dependence and yields for single ionization were found for both electron and positron impact. On the other hand, the double- and triple-ionization yields are smaller for positron impact as compared to electron impact. Comparisons with photoionization data showed that for outer shell ionization the fractions of double and triple ionization of argon by photon impact are in quite good agreement with the present electron impact data.