Quantum energy flow in atomic ions moving in magnetic fields

Using a combination of semiclassical and recently developed wave packet pro pagation techniques a we find the quantum self-ionization process of highly excited ions moving in magnetic fields which has its origin in the energy transfer from the center of mass to the electronic motion. It obeys a time scale orders of magnitude larger than the corresponding classical process. Importantly a quantum coherence phenomenon leading to the intermittent beha vior of the ionization signal is found and analyzed. Universal properties o f the ionization process are established.