Spin conservation in single-electron capture by N2+ in He, Ne, and Ar

High-resolution translational energy spectra (0.2 eV at full width at half maximum) have been obtained for single-electron capture by 4-keV N2+ ions in collision with He, Ne, and Ar. Seven capture channels have been unambiguously identified for each of the He and Ne spectra, many of which have not been previously reported. This allows clarification of earlier studies. Twelve reaction channels have been identified for capture by N2+ in Ar, three of which involve excitation of the target product Ar+ ion. All the observed channels are spin conservative. Competing channels which violate spin conservation are seen to be rigorously suppressed