Dielectronic recombination is shown to be a dominant process for determining the charge state of fast heavy ions passing through plasma. Calculated dielectronic rates are compared with rates of competing processes, including effects of high plasma density. Equilibrium charge states are determined for a typical ion-target system.

• Received 12 May 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.57.1859