Partial Ionization Cross Sections of Organic Molecules

Abstract

Partial ionization cross sections are the absolute yields of specific ions from an electron-molecule collision. They are necessary for modeling plasmas and for determining the sensitivity of mass spectrometers, among other applications. One mass-spectrometric application is estimating the abundance of organic compounds on Mars, as sampled by the rover Curiosity. This is a report of semitheoretical data obtained for a collection of organic molecules identified as possible biomarkers in this exotic context.