Dynamics of Fragmentation Reactions From Peak Shapes in Multiparticle Coincidence Experiments

Abstract

An experimental survey of peak shapes in two-parameter mass spectra from charge separation of doubly charged ions has been combined with Monte-Carlo simulations of peak shapes for different mechanisms. As a result, the major mechanisms, deferred charged separation, secondary dissociation and concerted explosion, can now be recognised. Finer details and a number of recurrent peculiar peak shapes remain unexplained.