Covariance matrix mass spectral maps of polar dissociation channels in CF4

Covariance matrix mass spectra of positive and negative ions ejected by polar dissociating states excited by electron impact on CF4 are reported for impact energies from 18.7 to 43.7 eV. This is the first example of covariance matrix mass spectral maps of polar dissociation. Evidence for the reaction products CF3+ + F−, CF2+ + F− + F, CF+ + F− + p, and F+ + F− + p, where p stands for neutral species, were found. The ion translational energies are cold relative to those observed for positive ion-positive ion dissociation channels. The CF2+ + F− channel was observed to be the weakest and the only negative ion observed is F−. Absolute cross section values are estimated.