Classical-trajectory time-dependent mean-field theory for ion-molecule collision problems

Abstract

A mean-field model to describe electron transfer processes in ion-molecule collisions at the $\hbar =0$ level is presented and applied to collisions involving water and ammonia molecules. Multicenter model potentials account for the molecular structure and geometry. They include charge screening parameters which in the most advanced version of the model depend on the instantaneous degree of ionization so that dynamical screening effects are taken into account. The work is implemented using the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method, i.e., Hamilton's equations are solved for classical statistical ensembles that represent the initially populated orbitals. The time-evolved trajectories are sorted into ionizing and electron capture events, and a multinomial analysis of the ensuing single-particle probabilities is employed to calculate differential and total cross sections for processes that involve single- and multiple-electron transitions. Comparison is made with experimental data and some previously reported calculations to shed light on the capabilities and limitations of the approach.