Two-center interferences in dielectronic transitions in H2(+) + He collisions

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Chemical Physics

Background:

• Collision-induced processes involving molecular ions and atomic targets are complex.
• Understanding multi-body interactions is crucial for fundamental physics.
• Previous studies have explored ionization and dissociation separately.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate molecular two-center interferences in H2+ projectile ion collisions with helium.
• To simultaneously study ionization of helium and dissociation of H2+.
• To identify and differentiate various collision mechanisms and their contributions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a kinematically complete experiment to precisely measure all outgoing particles.
• Analyzing projectile ion-molecule collisions with high energy resolution.
• Employing theoretical models to interpret observed interference patterns.

Main Results:

• Observed distinct interference fringes resulting from the collision process.
• Identified contributions from both a correlated first-order mechanism and an independent second-order process.
• Demonstrated the simultaneous ionization of helium and dissociation of H2+.

Conclusions:

• The study provides experimental evidence of molecular two-center interferences.
• Correlated and independent mechanisms contribute to the observed phenomena.
• Kinematically complete experiments are vital for unraveling complex collision dynamics.