Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F−
Published on: July 27, 2018
Multiple Electron Ejection from Proteins Resulting from Single-Photon Excitation in the Valence Shell
Rodolphe Antoine1,2, Quentin Enjalbert1,2, Luke MacAleese1,2
1†Université Lyon 1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, 69622 Villeurbanne cedex, France.
Protein polyanions exhibit multielectron photodetachment below 20 eV, revealing significant electronic correlations. These multiradical polyanions are surprisingly stable, with implications for radiobiology.
Area of Science:
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Chemical Physics
- Biophysics
Background:
- One-photon multiple ionization reveals electron correlations in atoms and molecules.
- The Auger process involves core-shell ionization and subsequent electron emission.
- Coulombic attraction typically hinders multielectron emission from molecular ions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate multielectron photodetachment from protein polyanions.
- Explore the role of electronic correlations in proteins.
- Assess the stability of resulting multiradical polyanions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation for excitation.
- Employed a radiofrequency ion trap for protein polyanion studies.
- Analyzed photodetachment yielding double, triple, and quadruple electron emissions.
Main Results:
- Observed multielectron emissions (double, triple, quadruple) from protein polyanions.
- Ionization thresholds were found to be below 20 eV photon energy.
- Indicated large electronic correlations between weakly bound electrons in proteins.
Conclusions:
- Protein polyanions facilitate multielectron photodetachment due to overcome Coulombic attraction.
- Protein polyanions exhibit significant electronic correlations.
- The resulting multiradical polyanions demonstrate remarkable stability, relevant to radiobiology.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy: Organic Radicals
Photoelectric Effect
Deactivation Processes: Jablonski Diagram
Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
Photoluminescence: Fluorescence and Phosphorescence
A pair of electrons in a...
π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview

