Atomic negative ions: structure, dynamics and collisions

• Published in: Physics reports Vol. 394; no. 4; pp. 157 - 313
• Main Author: Andersen, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.2004; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Atomic and molecular physics; Atomic properties and interactions with photons; Autoionization; Electron affinities; Electron correlation; Exact sciences and technology; Ion-atom collisions; Ionization potentials, electron affinities; Multiple ionization; Negative ions; Photodetachment; Physics; Properties of atoms and atomic ions; Ion-atom collisions; 32.10.Hq; 31.25.Jf; Negative ions; Multiple ionization; Electron affinities; Photodetachment; 39.30.−w; Autoionization; Electron correlation; 32.80.Gc; Heavy ions; Electron affinity; Atom ion collision; Atom collisions; Ionization; Correlations; Electron photodetachment; Ion dynamics; Atomic structure; Synchrotron radiation
• ISSN: 0370-1573; 1873-6270
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physrep.2004.01.001

This paper reviews the knowledge of the structure, dynamics and collisions of atomic negative ions, as accumulated at the end of 2003, and describes how the research exploring these ions developed during the last decade. New experimental information has mainly been obtained from photon–negative-ion interactions using lasers and more recently also synchrotron radiation as the photon source. Additional insights have been gained from the use of new experimental techniques like heavy-ion storage rings, which made long-time observations of negative ions possible and promoted the study of electron–negative ion-interactions. Substantial progress has also appeared on the theoretical side with computational methods leading to reliable predictions for many of the lighter negative ions.