Mutual projectile-target ionization via the two-center dielectronic interaction in relativistic ion-atom collisions

We study mutual ionization in relativistic collisions between hydrogenlike projectiles and helium atoms: X(Z+)(1s)+He(1s(2))-->X((Z+1)+)+ He+(1s)+2e(-). At high collision velocities and for not too heavy projectiles, 2Z/v<<1 (v is the collision velocity), the mutual ionization proceeds via the direct interaction between two electrons bound (initially) to different colliding particles. Considering for the first time this fundamental process in the case of relativistic collisions, we calculate ionization cross sections and discuss manifestations of relativistic effects. In particular, we predict two novel and interesting phenomena: (i) considerable relativistic effects in collisions with low Lorentz factors gamma and (ii) the rapid saturation of these effects at higher gamma. Estimates show that the predicted effects can be experimentally tested using existing facilities and spectrometers.