Two-photon detachment of inner-shell electrons from Li-

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Chemistry

Background:

• The electronic structure of light atomic anions like Li- is crucial for understanding atomic processes.
• Two-photon detachment is a complex atomic process influenced by electron correlation and resonant structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the two-photon detachment of an inner 1s electron from the Li- ground state.
• Analyze the influence of shape resonances on the detachment rate.
• Compare the probabilities of 1s and 2s electron detachment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized R-matrix Floquet theory for accurate quantum mechanical calculations.
• Modeled the interaction of Li- with intense laser fields.

Main Results:

• Observed a distinct structure in the two-photon detachment rate attributed to shape resonances near doubly excited Li thresholds.
• Determined that two-photon detachment of a 1s electron is approximately twice as likely as that of a 2s electron.
• Identified a potential experimental signature for 1s electron detachment.

Conclusions:

• R-matrix Floquet theory provides a robust framework for studying multi-photon processes in atomic anions.
• Shape resonances significantly impact the dynamics of two-photon detachment in Li-.
• Experimental observation of 45-65 eV electrons could confirm the predicted 1s electron detachment pathway.