Multiple ionization and fragmentation of the DNA base thymine by interaction with C q+ ions

Abstract

Ionization and fragmentation of the DNA base thymine upon interaction with keV Cq+ ions (q = 1 - 6) has been studied. By means of time-of-flight spectrometry of two or more thymine fragments in coincidence with an ejected electron we could investigate particular dissociation channels by means of their associated kinetic-energy-release. The fragmentation dynamics are strongly influenced by the Cq+ charge state: for low q values mainly fragmentation due to direct collisions is observed. With increasing q, electron capture becomes more important. For larger q we could identify several Coulomb explosion channels, leading to very energetic fragments.