Interference between overlapping Rydberg- and valence-level autoionizing states can have dramatic effects on photoionization dynamics. Our calculations demonstrate this type of interference in NO, where we predict that the autoionizing structure is of a mixed Rydberg-valence character and dominates the cross sections, obscuring the underlying shape resonance. Such studies have important implications for understanding autoionization mechanisms in molecular systems as well as other areas of physics.

• Received 9 August 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.38.4927