Double ionization of helium in fast ion collisions:: the role of momentum transfer

Double ionization of helium in the perturbative regime has been explored in a kinematically complete collision experiment using 100 MeV/u C6+ ions. Different ionization mechanisms are identified by inspecting the angular distribution of the electrons as a function of the momentum transfer q to the target by the projectile. For q < 1.2 au, both electrons are distributed uniformly in the plane perpendicular to the projectile axis, and distinct similarities with photoionization are identified. For q > 1.2 an, the faster electron resulting from a binary encounter with the projectile is emitted along the direction of momentum transfer, while the other electron is distributed uniformly. Experimental data are compared with various model calculations based on the Bethe-Born approximation with shake-off. Surprisingly, the effect of the final state interaction is found to depend decisively on the choice of the initial state wavefunction.