Collision-induced decomposition of ions

Abstract

The current status of the understanding of the collision-induced decomposition (CID) of di- and polyatomic ions is reviewed. The fundamental aspects of the CID of diatomic ions is considered in detail as a basis for the understanding of the processes leading to the CID of polyatomic ions. Particular attention is given to experimental and thoeretical work regarding the CID of diatomic ions via vibrational excitation and low energy CID (collision energy < 400 eV). The evidence for the low cross section for vibrational excitation by direct momentum transfer is emphasized. The knowledge concerning the CID of the polyatomic ions is more qualitative in nature. The experimental work on the effects of collision gas and collision energy on CID spectra and concerning the nature of the energy deposition process are reviewed. In conclusion the analytical aspects of the CID are considered and the influence of both the fundamental collision processes and instrumental characteristics on the final appearance of the CID spectra is emphasized.