Correlations between channel probabilities in collisional dissociation of D/sub 3/ /sup +/

Measurements of the dissociation of D/sub 3/ /sup +/ ions at 300--600 keV under single- and multiple-collision conditions in Ar- and H/sub 2/-gas targets have been performed. A complete separation of all dissociation channels was achieved, including the neutral channels, which were resolved using a fine-mesh technique. Data analysis in the multiple-collision regime confirms the validity of the rate equations governing the charge exchange processes. In the single-collision region the analysis yields constant relations between channel probabilities. Data rearrangement shows probability factorization and suggests that collisional dissociation is a two-stage process, a fast electron exchange followed by rearrangement and branching to the exit channels.