Multiple ionization of argon atoms by fast uranium impact and its possible application as an ion source for highly ionized rare gas atoms

The multiple ionization of Ar and Xe atoms by fast U/sup 75 +/ has been measured with a projectile - recoil ion time-of-flight technique. The multiple ionization cross section to produce in one collision hydrogenlike Ar exceeds the geometrical Ar-K-shell area. As a consequence of this long range interaction the kinetic energy of Ar/sup 17 +/ recoil ions is only of the order of some 10 eV. 22 refs., 7 figs.