Deep inner-shell multiphoton ionization by intense x-ray free-electron laser pulses
H Fukuzawa1, S-K Son, K Motomura
1Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|May 18, 2013
Summary
High charge states of xenon atoms were achieved using intense X-ray free-electron laser pulses. This study advances understanding of heavy atom ionization for future molecular structure determination.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Optics
- X-ray Science
Background:
- Understanding atomic ionization dynamics is crucial for fields like materials science and astrophysics.
- High-intensity X-ray sources enable probing complex atomic processes previously inaccessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multiphoton multiple ionization dynamics of xenon atoms using a novel X-ray free-electron laser.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind the production of high charge states in heavy atoms under intense X-ray irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free electron Laser (SACLA) facility for X-ray experiments.
- Employed a newly developed theoretical model to analyze experimental results and ionization pathways.
Main Results:
- Xenon atoms were ionized to charge states Xe(n+) with n up to 26 at 5.5 keV photon energy.
- High charge states (n≥24) were produced via five-photon absorption, involving deep inner-shell ionization.
- The theoretical model accurately reproduced the experimental observations of complex electronic decay cascades.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the capability of X-ray free-electron lasers to induce extreme ionization in heavy atoms.
- Provided insights into the intricate sequential electronic decay processes in heavy elements.
- Paved the way for using X-ray free-electron lasers for advanced applications such as molecular structure determination.
