We report the formation of energetic neutral Rydberg hydrogen atoms and transient Rydberg molecular ions, [(H(2)O)(q+)](⋆) in ion-impact dissociation of isolated water molecules. The kinetic energy spectra of the neutral Rydberg H atoms are determined from the complete study of (H(⋆), H(+), O(+)) dissociation channel. This channel of water dissociation is suggested as a possible additional source of the energetic neutrals detected in upper atmospheres of extra solar planets, and of slow electrons which are known to play a major role in radiation induced damage to living cells.
© 2011 American Institute of Physics