Radiative resonant energy transfer process in projectile-like ion formed in beam-foil interaction

The formation of projectile-like M2555n ion during bombardment of a thin carbon foil by V12+2351 ion beam of energies above the Coulomb barrier is inferred through the observation of unresolved 1s2pP2o3→1s2S01 and 1s2pP0o3→1s2S01 transitions of He-like Mn at 6.14 keV. From the decay of intensity of this line the measured radiative lifetime of the upper state is found to be 78.7±11.6 ps which is close to the theoretical lifetime of the 1s2pP0o3 state (86.18 ps), but substantially lower than that of 1s2pP2o3 state (147.1 ps). This suggests that the 1s2pP0o3 state is populated more than the 1s2pP2o3 state when He-like Mn exits the carbon foil. This behavior is explained on the basis of radiative resonant energy transfer process in beam-foil excitation as reported recently (Nandi T, et al. J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transfer 2012;113:783-8).

► Plasmon driven excitation mechanism in beam-foil excitation is confirmed. ► Bulk plasmon energy of carbon foil is transferred to excite ionic state resonantly. ► Nuclear transfer reaction occurs when energetic ions penetrate thin solid. ► Projectile-like ions can be used as a secondary beam to study atomic processes.