Electron correlations in spin-dependent ionisation of metal atoms

Dr Danica Cvejanovic, Prof. JF Williams, Dr L Pravica, Stuart Napier

Crew working on this project

Scattering experiments designed to study correlations both in the target and between outgoing particles provide the most detailed information on the process and most rigorous test for the modeling of ionization, ionization with excitation and Auger decay. We base our correlation studies on coincidence detection of two, or more particles, from a single event of a well defined scattering process. The scattering geometry and possible combinations used here to explore ionization of metal atoms with an emphasis on nd inner shells, are indicated in the figure.

Experiments with spin polarized electrons probe exchange between ejected and scattered electrons, alignment and momentum coupling of the residual ion, core shielding effects and configuration mixing and the interplay of these.

Apparatus

Essential characteristics:

• Use of 0%, 30% and 75% spin polarized electrons.
• Hemispherical analyzer with a position sensitive detector.
• Toroidal analyzer with detectors at four scattering angles.
• Photon detection and polarization analysis.
• Two analyzers operating in tandem or separately.
• Multi-coincidence detection system.