A beam of molecules, produced by exchange with a high energy ion beam, bombards a gas - phase or heterogeneous gas/solid reaction mixt.; and emitted ions are analysed, pref. by a mass spectrometer. By pulsing the beam, at a frequency related to the exchange rate of gas in collision chamber, and with a duration from which life of species investigated may be determined; reaction inters. with life 10-9 secs. may be analysed, esp. during non - photo-chemical reactions. The method is applicable to small quantities of gas at various temps. and press., and may be used to study influence of catalysts and diluents. The molecular beam may comprise inert gas, at energy over 10 KeV, or lower energy participating molecules.
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