Evidence for a $\mathsf{T}$-Shape Break-Up Pattern in the Triple Photoionization of Li

Evidence for a $T$ -Shape Break-Up Pattern in the Triple Photoionization of Li

J. Colgan, A. Emmanouilidou, and M. S. Pindzola

Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 063001 – Published 4 February 2013

Abstract

We examine the angular distributions of all three electrons ionized from Li by a single photon near the triple ionization threshold using a fully quantum-mechanical treatment. We find strong evidence for a $T$ -shape break-up pattern at a 5 eV excess energy as previously predicted by quasiclassical simulations [A. Emmanouilidou and J. M. Rost, J. Phys. B 39, 4037 (2006); A. Emmanouilidou, P. Wang, and J. M. Rost, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 063002 (2008)]. This finding is in conflict with the expected Wannier break-up dynamics of three electrons moving at mutual angles of 120°, which is expected to hold at energies a few eV above threshold. We use our quantum-mechanical approach to explore the physical mechanisms behind this unusual break-up configuration.