Multielectron spectroscopy: the xenon 4d hole double auger decay

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• The double Auger decay of core-level ionized atoms is a complex process involving the emission of two electrons.
• Understanding the decay pathways is crucial for interpreting atomic and molecular electronic structure and dynamics.
• Previous studies were limited in their ability to resolve the detailed energy and time scales of these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a magnetic bottle spectrometer for multidimensional electron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation.
• To investigate the energy pathways involved in the 4d double Auger decay of Xenon (Xe).
• To differentiate between direct and cascade processes in double Auger decay.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer adapted for synchrotron radiation sources.
• Performed multidimensional electron spectroscopy to capture detailed electron emission information.
• Analyzed the energy correlations and timing of emitted electrons from Xe 4d ionization.

Main Results:

• Identified the dominant decay pathway as a two-step cascade process.
• Determined the time scale for the first Auger electron ejection to be rapid (approx. 6 fs).
• Observed a slower subsequent Auger electron emission (>23 fs) and weaker direct double Auger processes, including associated Rydberg series.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the detailed dynamics of Xe 4d double Auger decay, confirming a dominant cascade mechanism.
• The implemented spectroscopic technique provides unprecedented insight into multi-electron emission processes.
• The findings contribute to a fundamental understanding of electron correlation and atomic relaxation dynamics.