Laser‐induced charge transfer in the HeH+2 and H2+ quasimolecules

The cross sections for laser‐induced charge transfer during the collisions of He+2 and H+ ions with hydrogen atoms are calculated. The electron transfer is into the n = 2 excited levels of the incident ions. Using the exact energy levels and dipole moments of the one‐electron diatomic molecule, the cross sections are found to be broad functions of the wavelength of the pumping laser. For a focused laser intensity of 1012 W/cm2 at a wavelength corresponding to the third harmonic of the Nd‐glass laser, the calculated charge transfer cross section is greater than 10−15 cm2 for the case of He+2 incident on hydrogen. The photon‐induced cross section is largest at low collision velocities where the competing collision‐induced reaction is negligible.