Relativistic collisions of highly-charged ions: electron capture via electron-positron pair production

We have developed a relativistic version of the distorted-wave theory (RCDWEIS)to simulate the process of electron capture via pair production. Results are compared with experimental cross section data for La57+ impact on Gold, Silver and Copper targets. An observed enhancement with increasing ZT is evident, with the results found to be in better agreement with experiment than previous similar simulations. The theory is extended to give total cross sections for the interaction of U28+and a bare Argon ion.