Ionization and fragmentation of freon-12 molecules in collisions with protons

Mass-to-charge spectra of ions formed in ionization of freon-12 molecules, CF2Cl2, by protons with energies of Ep = 10 keV and 1 MeV are studied for the first time. Relative probabilities of different dissociation channels of the ionized freon-12 molecule, are obtained and compared with similar data for freon-12 ionization by electrons, positrons and photons. Absolute total and partial experimental cross sections for the formation of different fragment ions are evaluated for the case Ep = 10 keV. Neutral chlorine atom detachment is found to be the main fragmentation channel at both energies studied. Calculations of geometry and binding energies of fragment ions as well as energies required for activating various dissociation channels are carried out. A qualitative explanation is given of the observed fragmentation spectra.