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Temporal associations in the massive three-body Coulomb interacting systems of deuterium(+) +deuterium(+) +deuterium(-) and hydrogen(+) +hydrogen(+) +hydrogen(-)
Abstract
In the laboratory we have access to the massive Coulomb three-body systems D++D++D- and H++H ++H-. The systems are produced through collisions of 4.0 keV [special characters omitted] and [special characters omitted] on He, producing three charged fragments in the continuum. The long-range Coulomb inter action between the fragments can lead to highly correlated motion. The laboratory frame energies and scattering angles of the three fragments are measured in triple coincidence. Transforming to the center of mass (c.m.) frame, the c.m. energies and mutual correlation angles can be determined for each measured three-body event. When the observed triple events are plotted on a WYJ Dalitz plot as a function of total c.m. energy, patterns and trends develop in the experimental data. To understand the physical origins of these patterns, a series of classical numerical simulations of three charged bodies was executed modeling the [special characters omitted] and [special characters omitted] post-dissociation dynamics. The experimental data can then interpreted within the classical simulation framework combined with the quantum mechanical properties of the parent [special characters omitted] and [special characters omitted]. New insights has been gained on the dynamics of polar N-body systems. A new, heretofore unconsidered dissociation channel has been discovered where tenuous temporary associations between oppositely charged fragments can form. These Keplerian-like two-body systems lead to a rich domain of post-dissociation dynamics. Predicted by the three-body simulations, evidence of this novel dissociation process has been identified in the experimental data.
Subject Area
Atomic physics
Recommended Citation
Jordon-Thaden, Brandon James, "Temporal associations in the massive three-body Coulomb interacting systems of deuterium(+) +deuterium(+) +deuterium(-) and hydrogen(+) +hydrogen(+) +hydrogen(-)" (2005). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3201772.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3201772