This paper reviews the most recent experimental studies of absolute cross sections for electron-impact excitation of atomic and dissociative excitation of molecular ions. Experimental studies of such processes have been carried out for more than 40 years. Much of the discussion is oriented to the work involving the author; however an effort will be made to include other results. In discussing electron impact excitation of atomic ions we will examine primarily transitions in which dielectronic resonaces play a dominant role, and measurements which can be used to benchmark results of theoretical calculations. Of particular interest, partially motivated by fusion efforts and partially by plasma etching and deposition, are investigations of dissociative excitation of light hydrocarbon ions. Methods employing colliding beams of electrons and ions, either in crossed or merged beams configurations are emphasized.
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