Near-threshold two-photon double ionization of Kr in the vacuum ultraviolet

We report angle-resolved measurements on photoelectrons emitted upon near-threshold two-photon double ionization (TPDI) of Kr irradiated by free-electron laser (FEL) pulses. These photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) are compared with the results of semirelativistic R-matrix calculations. As reported by Augustin et al. [Phys. Rev. A 98, 033408 (2018)], it is found that the presence of autoionizing resonances within the bandwidth of the exciting FEL pulse strongly influences the PADs. In contrast to measurements on lower-Z targets such as Ne and Ar, the larger spin-orbit interaction, inherent in 4p-subshell hole states of Kr, permits us to resolve and study PADs associated with some of the fine-structure components of the Kr+ and Kr2+ ions.

Automated summary

This study investigates angle-resolved measurements of photoelectrons emitted during near-threshold two-photon double ionization of Kr irradiated by free-electron laser pulses. It demonstrates the strong influence of autoionizing resonances within the bandwidth of the exciting FEL pulse on the photoelectron angular distributions. Additionally, the larger spin-orbit interaction in the 4p-subshell hole states of Kr allows for the resolution and study of fine-structure components associated with Kr+ and Kr2+ ions.