Electron Impact Dissociation of ${\mathrm{H}}_2^{+}$

The absolute cross section for dissociation of ${\mathrm{H}}_2^{+}$ by electron impact has been measured for electron energies between 10 and 1500 eV using a crossed-beam technique which is described in some detail. The measured cross section can be represented by the function $\sigma =\left(\frac{1}{E}\right)(217\mathrm{}{log}_{10}E-184)$ where the cross section $\sigma$ is in units of $\pi {a_0}^2$ and the electron energy $E$ is in electron volts. Comparison is made with relevant theory, and the agreement between experiment and theory for the magnitude of the cross section is found to be surprisingly (and perhaps fortuitously) good. Within the limitations of both theory and experiment, agreement is found in the shape of the cross section as well.