Coulomb explosion patterns for swift hydrogen molecular ions penetrating through solids

We simulate the Coulomb explosion patterns for swift H-2(+) ions penetratin g through solids by solving the motion equations. The forces acting on the individual H+ fragments are given by the stopping force and the dynamic int eracting force. With the plasmon-pole approximation (PLA) dielectric functi on, the linear-response dielectric theory is used to determine the dynamic interacting force. The initial directions of the molecular axis with respec t to the beam direction are assumed to be random. It is found that due to t he dynamic-interaction effects, the molecular axes tend to align to the bea m direction and the energy losses of the trailing ions are larger than that of the leading ions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.