Coherent electron emission from simple molecules by impact of energetic charged particles

• Published in: Journal of physics. B, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, 2014-02, Vol.47 (4), p.1-30
• Main Authors: CIAPPINA, M. F, FOJON, O. A, RIVAROLA, R. D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analogies; Atomic and molecular collision processes and interactions; Atomic and molecular physics; Atomic excitation and ionization by electron impact; Autoionization, photoionization, and photodetachment; Charged particles; Coherence; Diatomic molecules; Electron emission; Electron scattering; Electronic excitation and ionization of molecules; intermediate molecular states (including lifetimes, state mixing, etc.); Exact sciences and technology; Ionization; Molecular properties and interactions with photons; Phenomenology; Photon interactions with molecules; Photons; Physics; Scattering of atoms, molecules and ions
• ISSN: 0953-4075; 1361-6455
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-4075/47/4/042001

We review the theoretical and experimental progress in the field of coherent electron emission from simple molecules by the impact of energetic charged particles. We describe in detail the different theoretical approaches to tackle the single ionization of diatomic molecules by the impact of ions and electrons. Furthermore, we compare with experimental measurements, where available. The case of photon impact is also considered, in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the physics involved. An attempt is made to emphasize the phenomenology behind these molecular processes and to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the different theoretical approaches. Additionally, we highlight the differences and similarities between the particular projectiles which initiate the process, namely ions, electrons or photons.