Multiple ionization and fragmentation of polyatomic molecules by fast heavy ions

Abstract

We investigated molecular fragmentation for CO, C2H2 and C60 molecules induced by impact of various fast heavy ions. Fragment ions produced in electron capture and loss collisions of projectile ions were measured in coincidence with final projectile charge states. As for C60 target, the number distribution of secondary electrons emitted in single collision event were also measured by means of a triple coincident method. The charge state distribution of transiently formed Cr+60 was successfully reproduced by our new model calculation on the basis of statistical energy deposition model developed for polyatomic molecules. Data acquisition using position sensitive detection system allows us to obtain 3D momentum imaging of fragment ions from CO and C2H2 molecules. Typical results relevant to molecular orientation effect and kinetic energy release (KER) are discussed.