ionic dissociation

in mass spectrometry
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03177
The decomposition of an ion into another ion of lower mass and one or more neutral species.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1547 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)