Multiple-electron losses of highly charged ions colliding with neutral atoms

We present calculations of the total and m-fold electron-loss cross sections using the DEPOSIT code for highly charged U(q+) ions (q=10,31,33) colliding with Ne and Ar targets at projectile energies E=1.4 and 3.5 MeV/u. Typical examples of the deposited energy T(b) and m-fold ionization probabilities Pm(b) used for the cross-section calculations as a function of the impact parameter b are given. Calculated m-fold electron-loss cross sections are in a good agreement with available experimental data. Although the projectile charge is rather high, a contribution of multiple-electron loss cross sections to the total electron-loss cross sections is high: about 65% for the cases mentioned.