Three-center Coulombic over-barrier model for multiple electron capture byslow highly charged ions from diatomic molecules

A three-center Coulombic over-barrier model is proposed for the process of multiple electron capture from homonuclear diatomic molecules in collisions with slow highly charged ions. The present model, based on the over-barrie r model for atomic targets given by Niehaus, takes further into account the two-center nature of molecular targets by introducing a three-center Coulo mb potential for respective electrons. Cross sections of multiple electron capture are calculated for A(q+) + N-2 (q=6-10) collisions. The orientation effect of molecular axis relative to the collision plane is discussed.