Some problems of ion-atom collisions

Some selected problems of inelastic ion-atom collisions including excitation and ionization of the target atom electrons, which lead to energy loss and stopping of the projectile ion are discussed. The 'fast' and 'slow' ion-atom collisions are investigated. The charge asymmetry in inelastic ion-atom collisions is discussed, in particular the Barkas effect in the stopping of charged particles, the charge assymetry in atomic inner-shell ionization and possible experiments for determination of ΔE(b). The problem of alignment of inner-shell vacancies in ionization of atoms by ion impact is also regarded, especially its connection with angular distribution and polarization of decay products, the integral alignement, the impact parameter dependence of alignment and alignment of vacancies produced in nuclear α-decay. 13 figs., 57 refs