The electron loss peak in ion-atom collisions: a probe for the projectile or for the target atomic structure?

A double peak structure is predicted in the spectrum of electrons which are emitted from the projectile in the backward direction in collision with heavy target atoms. The calculations have been performed within the electron impact approximation and the strong potential second Born theory for hydrogen-like light projectiles colliding with Ar and Xe. The structure in the electron loss peak is only present in a certain range of intermediate collision velocities. It is sensitive to the electronic density distribution in the target and may therefore serve as a tool for investigating atomic fields in gaseous and solid targets. (Author)