Ionization and fragmentation of the CHClF2 molecule induced by swift protons and EUV photons

Abstract

A systematic comparison of the fragmentation of the CHClF2 molecule was conducted through collisions with a 0.2–2.0 MeV H+ beam and 12.0–90.0 eV photons, using the time-of-flight coincidence technique. Ion yields were analyzed as a function of projectile energy and compared to existing electron impact data. Overall, the ion yields resulting from proton impact are consistent with those observed under electron impact and photon absorption. The similarity between proton- and photon-induced yields suggests that the underlying physical and chemical processes responsible for fragment generation may share common features. This implies that the interactions of protons and photons with the target molecules proceed through comparable mechanisms. In contrast, differences observed between proton and electron impacts are likely due to interference effects between first- and second-order interactions with the target. Comparisons with previous studies indicate that fragmentation patterns in molecules such as CH2Cl2 and CHClF2 occur under similar impact parameters, further supporting the notion that the fragmentation mechanisms of these molecules exhibit shared characteristics.