Lattice description of electron loss in high-energy H+ + H2O collisions

Abstract Electron loss in proton–water collisions is studied in the energy range 100 keV E 1 MeV by employing a three-center model potential. The electron-loss probabilities are calculated by applying a new lattice method that yields cross sections which are in good agreement with previous semiclassical close-coupling and classical calculations. The lattice method also provides a straightforward visualization of the ionization mechanism at high impact velocities that involves a quasi-free expansion of the electron cloud.