CDW-EIS calculation for ionization and fragmentation of methane impacted by fast protons

Abstract

Ionization of the CH4 molecule in collision with energetic protons has been investigated by applying the continuum distorted wave with eikonal initial state approximation extended for multi-centre collisions. Total and double differential net and q-fold ionization cross sections have been evaluated which show good agreement with experimental data. Electron distribution characteristics to the structure of the molecule have been revealed in the impact parameter dependence of ionization probabilities. Dissociation of the molecule has also been considered. Present results for the production of CH ions (n = 1–4) are in good agreement with the available experimental data.