Non-ergodic dissociative valence double ionization of SF₆.

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Chemical Physics

Background:

• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is a molecule with significant environmental and industrial applications.
• Understanding its ionization and dissociation dynamics is crucial for various fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dissociative double ionization of SF₆.
• To determine the energy redistribution dynamics and compare experimental results with theoretical models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multiple coincidence electron-ion technique to study SF₆ ionization.
• Employed molecular dynamics simulations and high-level molecular structure calculations.
• Applied a statistical model for ion breakdown analysis.

Main Results:

• Detailed examination of SF₆ dissociative double ionization up to 48.4 eV.
• Experimental breakdown patterns were compared with statistical theory predictions.
• Incomplete energy redistribution was observed on the dissociation timescale for multiply charged ions.

Conclusions:

• The energy redistribution for fully statistical behavior is incomplete on the dissociation timescale for multiply charged SF₆ ions.
• Ergodic behavior becomes dominant at larger molecular sizes for multiply charged ions than for neutral or singly charged molecules.