Subfemtosecond Control of Molecular Fragmentation by Hard X-Ray Photons

Neutral Sulfur Atom Formation in Decay of Deep Core Holes in SF_{6}

Dissociation upon sulfur K-shell excitation or ionization of SF_{6} is studied by sulfur L-shell emission spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation and multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations of emission energies and transition rates. The decay path involves in particular Auger emission with the ejection of one or more electrons, leading to singly or multiply charged intermediate states. Nevertheless, the results of the study show that the observed photon emission at 151-152 eV following excitation at 2485-2489 eV originates dominantly from transitions in neutral sulfur. This clearly indicates that the central atom retains its electrons in a dissociation process where all fluorine atoms detach before the S 2p decay.

X-ray-Induced Molecular Catapult: Ultrafast Dynamics Driven by Lightweight Linkages

In our work, we demonstrate that X-ray photons can initiate a "molecular catapult" effect, leading to the dissociation of chemical bonds and the formation of heavy fragments within just a few femtoseconds. We reconstruct the momenta of fragments from a three-body dissociation in bromochloromethane using the ion pair average (IPA) reference frame, demonstrating how light atomic groups, such as alkylene and alkanylene, can govern nuclear dynamics during the dissociation process, akin to projectiles released by a catapult. Supported by ab initio calculations, this work highlights the crucial role of low-reduced-mass vibrational modes in driving ultrafast chemical processes.

Resonant Auger decay of dissociating CH3I near the I 4d threshold

Resonant Auger processes provide a unique perspective on electronic interactions and excited vibrational and electronic states of molecular ions. Here, new data are presented on the resonant Auger decay of excited CH3I in the region just below the I 4d-1 ionization threshold. The resonances include the Rydberg series converging to the five spin-orbit and ligand-field split CH3I (I 4d-1) thresholds, as well as resonances corresponding to excitation from the I 4d5/2,3/2 orbitals into the σ* lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. This study focuses on participator decay that populates the lowest lying states of CH3I+, in particular, the X̃2E3/2 and 2E1/2 states, and on spectator decay that populates the lowest-lying (CH3I2+)σ* states of CH3I+. The CH3I (I 4d-1)σ* resonances are broad, and dissociation to CH3 + I competes with the autoionization of the core-excited states. Auger decay as the molecule dissociates produces a photoelectron spectrum with a long progression (up to v3+ ∼ 25) in the C-I stretching mode of the X̃2E3/2 and 2E1/2 states, providing insights into the shape of the dissociative core-excited surface. The observed spectator decay processes indicate that CH3I+ is formed on the repulsive wall of the lower-lying (CH3I2+)σ* potentials, and the photon-energy dependence of the processes provides insights into the relative slopes of the (4d-1)σ* and (CH3I2+)σ* potential surfaces. Data are also presented for the spectator decay of higher lying CH3I (I 4d-1)nl Rydberg resonances. Photoelectron angular distributions for the resonant Auger processes provide additional information that helps distinguish these processes from the direct ionization signal.

Formation and relaxation of K−2 and K−2V double-core-hole states in n-butane

Using a magnetic bottle multi-electron time-of-flight spectrometer in combination with synchrotron radiation, double-core-hole pre-edge and continuum states involving the K-shell of the carbon atoms in n-butane ( n-C4H10) have been identified, where the ejected core electron(s) and the emitted Auger electrons from the decay of such states have been detected in coincidence. An assignment of the main observed spectral features is based on the results of multi-configurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) calculations for the excitation energies and static exchange (STEX) calculations for energies and intensities. MCSCF results have been analyzed in terms of static and dynamic electron relaxation as well as electron correlation contributions to double-core-hole state ionization potentials. The analysis of applicability of the STEX method, which implements the one-particle picture toward the complete basis set limit, is motivated by the fact that it scales well toward large species. We find that combining the MCSCF and STEX techniques is a viable approach to analyze double-core-hole spectra.

Multireference Approach to Normal and Resonant Auger Spectra Based on the One-Center Approximation

A methodology to calculate the decay rates of normal and resonant Auger processes in atoms and molecules based on the One-Center Approximation (OCA), using atomic radial Auger integrals, is implemented within the restricted-active-space self-consistent-field (RASSCF) and the multistate restricted-active-space perturbation theory of second order (MS-RASPT2) frameworks, as part of the OpenMolcas project. To ensure an unbiased description of the correlation and relaxation effects on the initial core excited/ionized states and the final cationic states, their wave functions are optimized independently, whereas the Auger matrix elements are computed with a biorthonormalized set of molecular orbitals within the state-interaction (SI) approach. As a decay of an isolated resonance, the computation of Auger intensities involves matrix elements with one electron in the continuum. However, treating ionization and autoionization problems can be overwhelmingly complicated for nonexperts, because of many peculiarities, in comparison to bound-state electronic structure theory. One of the advantages of our approach is that by projecting the intensities on the atomic center bearing the core hole and using precalculated atomic radial two-electron integrals, the Auger decay rates can be easily obtained directly with OpenMolcas, avoiding the need to interface it with external programs to compute matrix elements with the photoelectron wave function. The implementation is tested on the Ne atom, for which numerous theoretical and experimental results are available for comparison, as well as on a set of prototype closed- and open-shell molecules, namely, CO, N2, HNCO, H2O, NO2, and C4N2H4 (pyrimidine).

Simulation of Auger decay dynamics in the hard X-ray regime: HCl as a showcase

Auger decay after photoexcitation or photoemission of an electron from a deep inner shell in the hard X-ray regime can be rather complex, implying a multitude of phenomena such as multiple-step cascades, post-collision interaction (PCI), and electronic state-lifetime interference. Furthermore, in a molecule nuclear motion can also be triggered. Here we discuss a comprehensive theoretical method which allows us to analyze in great detail Auger spectra measured around an inner-shell ionization threshold. HCl photoexcited or photoionized around the deep Cl 1s threshold is chosen as a showcase. Our method allows calculating Auger cross sections considering the nature of the ground, intermediate and final states (bound or dissociative), and the evolution of the relaxation process, including both electron and nuclear dynamics. In particular, we show that we can understand and reproduce a so-called experimental 2D-map, consisting of a series of resonant Auger spectra measured at different photon energies, therefore obtaining a detailed picture of all above-mentioned dynamical phenomena at once.

Gas phase Photoemission studies in the hard X-ray domain

Recent results obtained in gas phase photoemission studies are presented in this article with particular emphasis on recoil, Double Core Hole and Post Collision Interaction. These three important effects are not specific to the gas phase and could have more general applications in condensed matter studies.

The O K-2V spectrum of CO: the influence of the second core-hole

Using synchrotron radiation in the tender X-ray regime, a photoelectron spectrum showing the formation of single site double-core-hole pre-edge states, involving the K shell of the O atom in CO, has been recorded by means of high-resolution electron spectroscopy. The experimentally observed structures have been simulated, interpreted and assigned, employing state-of-the-art ab initio quantum chemical calculations, on the basis of a theoretical model, accounting for their so-called direct or conjugate character. Features appearing above the double ionization threshold have been reproduced by taking into account the strong mixing between multi-excited and continuum states. The shift of the σ* resonance below the double ionization threshold, in combination with the non-negligible contributions of multi-excited configurations in the final states reached, gives rise to a series of avoided crossings between the different potential energy curves.

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: a snapshot of the state-of-the-art in 2020

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) is establishing itself as an essential technique for the characterisation of materials. The number of specialised photoelectron spectroscopy techniques making use of hard x-rays is steadily increasing and ever more complex experimental designs enable truly transformative insights into the chemical, electronic, magnetic, and structural nature of materials. This paper begins with a short historic perspective of HAXPES and spans from developments in the early days of photoelectron spectroscopy to provide an understanding of the origin and initial development of the technique to state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental capabilities. The main motivation for and focus of this paper is to provide a picture of the technique in 2020, including a detailed overview of available experimental systems worldwide and insights into a range of specific measurement modi and approaches. We also aim to provide a glimpse into the future of the technique including possible developments and opportunities.

Electron spectroscopy and dynamics of HBr around the Br 1s-1 threshold

A comprehensive electron spectroscopic study combined with partial electron yield measurements around the Br 1s ionization threshold of HBr at ≅13.482 keV is reported. In detail, the Br 1s-1 X-ray absorption spectrum, the 1s-1 photoelectron spectrum as well as the normal and resonant KLL Auger spectra are presented. Moreover, the L-shell Auger spectra measured with photon energies below and above the Br 1s-1 ionization energy as well as on top of the Br 1s-1σ* resonance are shown. The latter two Auger spectra represent the second step of the decay cascade subsequent to producing a Br 1s-1 core hole. The measurements provide information on the electron and nuclear dynamics of deep core-excited states of HBr on the femtosecond timescale. From the different spectra the lifetime broadening of the Br 1s-1 single core-hole state as well as of the Br(2s-2,2s-12p-1,2p-2)  double core-hole states are extracted and discussed. The slope of the strongly dissociative HBr 2p-2σ* potential energy curve is found to be about -13.60 eV Å-1. The interpretation of the experimental data, and in particular the assignment of the spectral features in the KLL and L-shell Auger spectra, is supported by relativistic calculations for HBr molecule and atomic Br.

Advancements in the use of Auger electrons in science and medicine during the period 2015-2019

Auger electrons can be highly radiotoxic when they are used to irradiate specific molecular sites. This has spurred basic science investigations of their radiobiological effects and clinical investigations of their potential for therapy. Focused symposia on the biophysical aspects of Auger processes have been held quadrennially. This 9th International Symposium on Physical, Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Aspects of Auger Processes at Oxford University brought together scientists from many different fields to review past findings, discuss the latest studies, and plot the future work to be done. This review article examines the research in this field that was published during the years 2015-2019 which corresponds to the period since the last meeting in Japan. In addition, this article points to future work yet to be done. There have been a plethora of advancements in our understanding of Auger processes. These advancements range from basic atomic and molecular physics to new ways to implement Auger electron emitters in radiopharmaceutical therapy. The highly localized doses of radiation that are deposited within a 10 nm of the decay site make them precision tools for discovery across the physical, chemical, biological, and medical sciences.

Hard x-ray spectroscopy and dynamics of isolated atoms and molecules: a review

We present here a review of the most significant recent achievements in the field of HAXPES (hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) on isolated atoms and molecules, and related spectroscopies. The possibility of conducting hard x-ray photoexcitation and photoionization experiments under state-of-the art conditions in terms of photon and electron kinetic energy resolution has become available only in the last few years. HAXPES has then produced structural and dynamical information at the level of detail already reached in the VUV and soft-x-ray ranges. The much improved experimental conditions have allowed extending to the hard x-ray range some methods well established in soft x-ray spectroscopies. Investigations of electron and nuclear dynamics in the femtosecond (fs, 10^-15 s) and even attosecond (as, 10^-18 s) regime have become feasible. Complex relaxation phenomena following deep-core ionization can now be enlightened in great detail. Other phenomena like e.g. recoil-induced effects are much more important in fast photoelectron emission, which can be induced by hard x-rays. Furthermore, a new kind of ionic states with double core holes can be observed by x-ray single-photon absorption. Future perspectives are also discussed.

Chemical Understanding of the Limited Site-Specificity in Molecular Inner-Shell Photofragmentation

In many cases fragmentation of molecules upon inner-shell ionization is very unspecific with respect to the initially localized ionization site. Often this finding is interpreted in terms of an equilibration of internal energy into vibrational degrees of freedom after Auger decay. We investigate the X-ray photofragmentation of ethyl trifluoroacetate upon core electron ionization at environmentally distinct carbon sites using photoelectron-photoion-photoion coincidence measurements and ab initio electronic structure calculations. For all four carbon ionization sites, the Auger decay weakens the same bonds and transfers the two charges to opposite ends of the molecule, which leads to a rapid dissociation into three fragments, followed by further fragmentation steps. The lack of site specificity is attributed to the character of the dicationic electronic states after Auger decay instead of a fast equilibration of internal energy.

Potential Energy Surface Reconstruction and Lifetime Determination of Molecular Double-Core-Hole States in the Hard X-Ray Regime

A combination of resonant inelastic x-ray scattering and resonant Auger spectroscopy provides complementary information on the dynamic response of resonantly excited molecules. This is exemplified for CH_{3}I, for which we reconstruct the potential energy surface of the dissociative I 3d^{-2} double-core-hole state and determine its lifetime. The proposed method holds a strong potential for monitoring the hard x-ray induced electron and nuclear dynamic response of core-excited molecules containing heavy elements, where ab initio calculations of potential energy surfaces and lifetimes remain challenging.