Ionization Of Heavy Ions Research Articles

Cosmic-Ray Electron Injection from the Ionization of Nuclei

We show that the secondary electrons ejected from the ionization of heavy ions can be injected into the acceleration process that occurs at supernova remnant shocks. This electron injection mechanism works since ions are ionized during the acceleration when they move already with relativistic speed, just like ejected electrons do. Using the abundances of heavy nuclei measured in cosmic rays measured at the Earth, we estimate the electron/proton ratio at the source to be approximately 10;{-4}, big enough to account for the nonthermal synchrotron emission observed in young supernova remnants. We also show that the ionization process can limit the maximum energy that heavy ions can reach.

Ionization of heavy ions in relativistic collisions with neutral atoms

The problem of ionization of ions in ion-ion and ion-neutral relativistic collisions is considered. Formulas for ionization cross sections are derived in the Born approximation in terms of the momentum transfer without allowance for magnetic interactions. Using these formulas implemented in the LOSS-R code, the ionization cross sections are calculated for the K shells of neutral atoms colliding with protons and also for 1s and 2p electrons of multiply charged heavy ions (nuclear charge Z = 80−90) colliding with bare nuclei and neutral atoms. The calculation results are compared with experimental data and calculations of other authors.

Ionization of heavy ions in collisions with neutral atoms at relativistic energies

Ionization processes of heavy ions colliding with atoms and ions at relativistic energies are considered. Formulaes for calculating ionization cross sections in the Born approximation using momentum-transfer representation without regard to magnetic interactions are given as well as those in dipole and impulse approximations. Using the LOSS-R [25] and HERION codes, calculations of relativistic cross sections are performed for H-like multiply changed ions with the nuclear charge Z ≈ 80−90, colliding with neutral atoms and for multiply changed uranium ions colliding with protons and carbon atoms. The results of calculations are compared with available experimental data and calculations performed by other authors.