Photoionization from the Xe 4d orbitals of XeF2

We present a comparison of the photoionization dynamics of the 4d shell of XeF2 from threshold to 250 eV to those of the prototypical 4d shell of atomic Xe. The new experimental data include spin-orbit and ligand-field-resolved partial cross sections, photoelectron angular distributions, branching fractions, and lifetime widths for the 4d-hole states. The spin-orbit branching fractions and angular distributions are remarkably similar to the corresponding distributions from atomic Xe across a broad energy interval that includes both the intense shape resonance in the f continuum and a Cooper minimum in the same channel. The angular distributions and branching fractions are also in reasonably good agreement with our first-principles theoretical calculations on XeF2. Data are also presented on the lifetime widths of the substate-resolved 4d-hole states of XeF2. While the trends in the widths are similar to those in the earlier experimental and theoretical work, the linewidths are considerably smaller than in the previous measurements, which may require some reinterpretation of the decay mechanism. Finally, we present new data and an analysis of the Auger electron spectra for ionization above the 4d thresholds and resonant Auger spectra for several pre-edge features.

Automated summary

This study compares the photoionization dynamics of the 4d shell of XeF2 with that of atomic Xe, presenting experimental data on spin-orbit and ligand-field-resolved partial cross sections, photoelectron angular distributions, branching fractions, and lifetime widths for the 4d-hole states. The results show similarities between XeF2 and Xe in spin-orbit branching fractions and angular distributions, with reasonably good agreement with theoretical calculations, although XeF2's lifetime widths are considerably smaller than previous measurements, requiring a reinterpretation of the decay mechanism. New data and analysis of Auger electron spectra for ionization above the 4d thresholds and resonant Auger spectra for pre-edge features are also presented.