Energy loss in Ar16+, Kr16+, Xe16+–C60 collisions at low energy

Abstract

Final charge state distributions and energy loss have been studied for frontal collisions between Ar16+, Kr16+, Xe16+ ions and C60 molecule at the same velocity (v=0.28 a.u.). The average final charge is measured to be 10, 8, 6 for Ar16+, Kr16+ and Xe16+, respectively showing a large core effect in the stabilisation process of the transferred electrons from the C60 to the projectile ions. Comparison between the measured energy losses and the values estimated for ions at equilibrium charge (qeq≃1 at this velocity) passing through a carbon foil of effective thickness 1.2 Å shows evidence on pre-equilibrium energy loss enhancement.