Three-dimensional Kinetic Energy Distributions of Ions using a Retarding Potential Analyser. Analysis of Discimination Effects by Ion Trajectory Simulations.

This paper presents a method of extracting three-dimensional kinetic energy distributions from retarding potential curves, suitable for analysing low kinetic energy releases. Trajectory calculations were performed which led to an analytical function correcting for the influence of discrimination against ions with velocity components perpendicular to the retarding field direction. The analysis of the thermal kinetic energy distribution of molecular vinyl bromide ions confirms the computed correcting factor.