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.