Alignment effects in electron capture from D₂⁺ molecular ions by Ar²⁺, N²⁺, and He²⁺

We have studied collisions between D₂⁺ molecular ions and doubly charged projectiles at collision velocities ranging from 0.19 a.u. to 0.51 a.u. Using a molecular ion gives us the unique opportunity to investigate electron capture from a true one-electron, two-center target. The experimental results indicate that electron capture is preferred if the molecular axis is perpendicular to the collision velocity, independent of projectile and magnitude of collision velocity. We also present results from a theoretical model calculation. The calculation qualitatively supports the experimental findings, although some features in the calculation are not reproduced by the experiment. We discuss whether those features are natural.