Cross sections have been measured for the production of He+ (np) 2Po states, n=2,3,4, by proton impact on helium over a projectile velocity range of 1.42–2.45 a.u. (50 ≤E≤150 keV). Cross sections were determined by measuring the extreme ultraviolet photons emitted from excited He1 ions. The data indicate a lower energy than expected for the maximum cross section. A comparison of the present results in terms of projectile energy dependance with the cross sections for excitation to He (1snp) 1Po, ionization, and total electron capture suggests the primary mechanism for the production of excited He+ at low energies is transfer excitation, with ionization excitation being the dominant mechanism at higher energies
