[en] Polyatomic and multiply-charged ion provide a convenient means of extending the energy range of an implanted accelerator. The molecular species are also of interest in certain special bombardment studies. This report considers some of the factors which affect the production and utilisation of such beams. It introduces the concepts of hetero- and auto-contamination, and particular attention is given to the modification of the charge or mass of the ions resulting from inelastic collisions in the various beams transport regions of the accelerator. (author)