Relativistic-energy-sharing (e,2e) collisions in coplanar constant Theta 1,2 geometry.

Abstract

We present a geometry for the investigation of the coplanar energy sharing ({ital e},2{ital e}) collision processes at relativistic energies. In the coplanar constant {Theta}{sub 1,2} geometry the angle between the detectors is held fixed, while both detectors are rotated around the normal to the scattering plane. This geometry is particularly suited for the investigation of the interaction between the heavy atom and the electrons in the incident and final channels. We present a systematic study of the {ital K}-shell ionization of gold at 300 keV using the relativistic distorted-wave Born approximation, investigate the relative importance of different spin channels and the variation of the triple differential cross section with the relative angle between the two outgoing electrons. Even though we are considering the unpolarized beam incident on unpolarized targets, we are able to demonstrate clearly the role of Pauli blocking. We identify those features in the cross section which are most sensitive to distortion and demonstrate their enhancement with the increasing nuclear charge. Finally, we discuss their dependence on impact energies. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}