The escape of O+ ions from the atmosphere: An explanation of the observed ion density profiles on Mars

Experimental determinations of the Kinetic Energy Released (KER) for ions, originating by Coulomb explosion of CO22+ dications produced by double photoionization of CO2, are reported. The KER are measured by using synchrotron radiation in the range of 34-50 eV coupled with electron-ion-ion coincidence technique. For O+ and CO+, originating by Coulomb explosion of CO22+, KER are ranging between 1.0-5.0 and 0.4-3.0 eV, respectively, being large enough to allow these ions in participating in the atmospheric escape from Mars and Titan into space. An explanation for the observed behavior of O+ and CO22+ ion density profiles on Mars atmosphere is proposed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.