Associative detachment of H− + H → H2 + e−

Using a merged-beams apparatus, we have measured the associative detachment (AD) reaction of H−+H→H2+e− for relative collision energies up to Er≤4.83 eV. These data extend above the 1-eV limit of our earlier results. We have also updated our previous theoretical work to account for AD via the repulsive 2Σg+ H2− potential energy surface and for the effects at Er≥0.76 eV on the experimental results due to the formation of long-lived H2 resonances lying above the H+H separated atoms limit. Merging both experimental data sets, our results are in good agreement with our new theoretical calculations and confirm the prediction that this reaction essentially turns off for Er≳2 eV. Similar behavior has been predicted for the formation of protonium from collisions of antiprotons and hydrogen atoms

Isotope effect for associative detachment: H(D)−+H(D)→H2(D2)+e

We report experimental and theoretical results for associative detachment (AD) of D−+D→D2+e−. We compare these data to our previously published results for H−+H→H2+e−. The measurements show no significant isotope effect in the total cross section. This is to be contrasted with previously published experimental and theoretical work which has found a significant isotope effect in diatomic systems for partial AD cross sections, i.e., as a function of the rotational and vibrational levels of the final molecule formed. Our work implies that though the rovibrational distribution of flux is different for AD of H− + H and D− + D, the total flux for these two systems is essentially the same when summed over all possible final channels

The FRAM robotic telescope for atmospheric monitoring at the Pierre Auger Observatory

FRAM (F/Photometric Robotic Atmospheric Monitor) is a robotic telescope operated at the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina for the purposes of atmospheric monitoring using stellar photometry. As a passive system which does not produce any light that could interfere with the observations of the fluorescence telescopes of the observatory, it complements the active monitoring systems that use lasers. We discuss the applications of stellar photometry for atmospheric monitoring at optical observatories in general and the particular modes of operation employed by the Auger FRAM. We describe in detail the technical aspects of FRAM, the hardware and software requirements for a successful operation of a robotic telescope for such a purpose and their implementation within the FRAM system