Communication: Atomic and molecular Rydbergs from water

Abstract

We report the formation of energetic neutral Rydberg hydrogen atoms and transient Rydberg molecular ions, [(H2O)q+] *White star in ion-impact dissociation of isolated water molecules. The kinetic energy spectra of the neutral Rydberg H atoms are determined from the complete study of (H*, H+, O+) dissociation channel. This channel of water dissociation is suggested as a possible additional source of the energetic neutrals detected in upper atmospheres of extra solar planets, and of slow electrons which are known to play a major role in radiation induced damage to living cells. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.