Dynamics of the ionization mechanism in ion-atom collisions at intermediate velocities

TitleDynamics of the ionization mechanism in ion-atom collisions at intermediate velocities
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
Ponce, L, Taieb, R, Veniard, V, Maquet, A
JournalJOURNAL OF PHYSICS B-ATOMIC MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS
Volume37
Issue15
PaginationL297-L304
Date PublishedAUG 14
ISSN0953-4075
Keywordspaper
Abstract

We present the results of a set of quantum and classical model calculations designed to discuss the dynamics of the ionization process in ion-atom collisions at intermediate velocities. It is shown that the ionized electrons, ejected with velocities coinciding with that of the saddle point resulting from the combination of the projectile and target potentials, have experienced a complex dynamical process. One of the outcomes of our simulations is that only a small fraction of these electrons are those which surf on the saddle all along the collision process. These findings shed light on the reason why saddle electrons are not observed at high projectile velocities.

DOI10.1088/0953-4075/37/15/L01
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