Inner and outer shell contributions to the charge state distribution in heavy ion collisions

The charge distribution of N sup(+q) ions after small impact parameter collision in the medium energy range approximately 50 keV/amu, were studied. For symmetric and nearly symmetric systems they display a simple convex structure as a function of the impact parameter. This structure is interpreted as a result of an inner shell promotion effect superimposed on a purely statistical, impact parameter independent distribution. Good agreement with the shape predicted by the rotational coupling model allows the separation of the inner and outer shell contributions to the charge distribution. (Auth.)