Photo- and Auto-detachment of the Be- ion

The structure of the beryllium atom and the beryllium negative ion has been experimentally investigated using a crossed laser-negative ion beam apparatus. The Be(1s²2s2p)^{3,/sup>P electron affinity and excitation energy have been measured for the first time by Photodetached Electron Spectroscopy and a new hybrid technique involving the use of both Auto- and Photo-detached Electron Spectroscopies.}