Measurement of direct and charge-exchange excitation cross sections in collisions of 1-1800-eV (laboratory frame) He + , Ne + , Ar + , Kr + , and B + ions and of 1-3600-eV He 2 + , Ne 2 + , and Ar 2 + ions with O 2 (wavelength region 2000-8000 Å)

Absolute cross sections for the excitation of optically emitting states in collisions of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{B}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{He}}^{2+}$, ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{2+}$, and ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{2+}$ with oxygen molecules are measured, the energy range of the ion being 1-1800 eV (laboratory frame) for singly charged and 1-3600 eV for doubly charged ions. Seven important processes can be distinguished: charge-exchange excitation of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+}$ bands, O I, O II, $X$ i, and $X$ ii lines (${X}^{+}$,${X}^{2+}$ being the primary ion), direct excitation of $X$ ii, and double-charge-exchange excitations. The energy dependences of the excitation cross sections are remarkably different for different processes but similar for one process with different ions. They are given in a few examples. The sum total of all cross sections together for excitations which lead to light emission is on the order of a few ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{2}$ at 1000-eV energy (c.m. frame). The results are of interest for surface investigations, plasma diagnostics, and laser work.