A quasiclassical trajectory analysis of the ionization-dissociation behavior of the van der Waals molecule ArH2

Abstract

The ionic species ArH+2 may be formed in an ion–molecule collision or by ionization of the van der Waals molecule ArH2. The ion is unstable in either case, but its internal energy distribution and, hence, its dissociation behavior depends on the method of formation. A trajectory calculation is described which simulates the ionization-dissociation of ArH2, initially formed in a supersonic expansion. Cross sections for the possible dissociation channels and product energy distributions are obtained. The vibrational and rotational energy of H2 in the ArH2 precursor are determining factors in the dissociation behavior.