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Published on: June 14, 2018
Outer Valence Photoionization and Autoionization of Formaldehyde
Kedong Wang1, Yan Wang1, Haiyang Qiao1
1School of Physics, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Peoples Republic of China.
We studied formaldehyde photoionization using advanced R-matrix calculations. Our results, including resonance structures, agree well with experiments, improving upon previous theoretical models.
Area of Science:
- Quantum chemistry
- Molecular physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Formaldehyde is a key molecule in atmospheric and interstellar chemistry.
- Understanding its photoionization dynamics is crucial for interpreting observational data and atmospheric models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the photoionization of formaldehyde from its ground electronic state.
- To calculate partial cross sections and asymmetry parameters for various ionic states.
- To explore the impact of electron correlation on photoionization dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the multichannel R-matrix method incorporating configuration interaction (CI).
- Calculated photoionization properties for photon energies from 10-90 eV.
- Assessed the sensitivity of results to continuum descriptions, partial waves, and active spaces.
Main Results:
- Observed extensive resonance structures near the ionization threshold for the first time.
- Obtained convergent results by carefully checking model sensitivities.
- Predicted total cross sections and asymmetry parameters that differ from previous uncorrelated calculations.
Conclusions:
- The inclusion of electron correlation is vital for accurate formaldehyde photoionization predictions.
- The multichannel R-matrix method with CI provides reliable results.
- The findings align well with available experimental data, validating the theoretical approach.
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