Stimulated desorption of cations from pristine and acidic low-temperature water ice surfaces

Electron-impact ionization of low-temperature water ice leads to H+, H+2, and H+(H2O)(n=1-8) desorption. The 22 eV H+ desorption threshold is correlated with localized 2-hole 1-electron and 2-hole final states which Coulomb explode, while the 22 eV H+2 threshold is due to H2O+ unimolecular dissociation. The 70 eV primary cluster ion threshold is consistent with holes in the 2a(1) level and secondary ionization channels. All cation yields are sensitive to local structural changes and probe surface acidity. The cluster size distribution indicates hole-hole screening distances of 1-2 nm.