H2+(20–100-keV) collisions with H: Dissociative and nondissociative capture and ionization and pure-H-target ionization

Abstract

Collision of the molecular hydrogen ion, ${\mathrm{H}}_2^{+}$ in the energy range 20–100 keV with a H target has been investigated. Production of one or two fast protons or hydrogen atoms formed from the projectile breakup was distinguished by use of a Si-barrier detector. Cross sections were determined by coincidence-counting techniques between the target ions (separated by time-of-flight analysis), electrons, and one or two fast product particles. Capture processes are shown to dominate at the lower energies whereas pure target ionization is demonstrated to be the most likely process at 90 keV and higher energies. Such data are of importance in the understanding of astrophysical and high-temperature laboratory plasmas.