Molecular-frame (e, 2e) ionization dynamics of H₂ at high impact-energy

Abstract: We report a combined experimental and theoretical study on the electron-impact ionization dynamics of H₂ at an impact-energy of 520 eV. The molecular-frame fivefold-differential cross sections were measured for electron emission in the plane perpendicular to the incoming projectile beam. An (e, 2e + ion) triple coincidence method was used covering projectile scattering angles of 6.5°, 10.0° and 20.0° and ejected energies of 20 eV and 30 eV. The experimental cross sections are compared with results from the multi-center distorted-wave (MCDW) as well as the molecular three-body distorted wave (M3DW) approaches. M3DW is in overall better agreement with the measured data in the binary lobes than MCDW, while the intensity of recoil lobes are underestimated by both theories. Furthermore, we examine the presence of two-center interference patterns by comparing the experimental cross section ratios between mutually perpendicular alignment angles of the molecular axis with that predicated by the interference model. Agreement with the interference model is found only for Bethe ridge kinematics, i.e. in the binary peak region and with the ejected electron momentum being roughly equal to the momentum transfer. Finally, we suggest a modified interference formula for the recoil peak which takes into account the backscattering of the ejected electron in the ionic potential. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].