  Using a combination of semiclassical and recently developed wave packet
propagation techniques we find the quantum self-ionization process of highly
excited ions moving in magnetic fields which has its origin in the energy
transfer from the center of mass to the electronic motion. It obeys a time
scale by orders of magnitude larger than the corresponding classical process.
Importantly a quantum coherence phenomenon leading to the intermittent
behaviour of the ionization signal is found and analyzed. Universal properties
of the ionization process are established.
