# Single and double ionization of magnesium by electron impact: A classical study

## TL;DR

This study uses a classical Hamiltonian model to analyze single and double ionization of magnesium by electron impact, revealing dominant ionization pathways and mechanisms in the 10-100 eV energy range.

## Contribution

It introduces a classical approach to understand ionization mechanisms and cross sections, clarifying the roles of different pathways in magnesium ionization.

## Key findings

- Delayed and direct pathways in single ionization.
- Only direct pathway in double ionization.
- TS2 mechanism dominates over TS1, consistent with experiments.

## Abstract

We consider electron impact-driven single and double ionization of magnesium in the 10-100 eV energy range. Our classical Hamiltonian model of these (e, 2e) and (e, 3e) processes sheds light on their total cross sections and reveals the underlying ionization mechanisms. Two pathways are at play in single ionization: Delayed and direct. In contrast, only the direct process is observed in double ionization, ruling out the excitation-autoionization channel. We also provide evidence that the so-called TS2 (Two-Step 2) mechanism predominates over the TS1 (Two-Step 1) mechanism, in agreement with experiments.