Scaling laws in double photoionization

Physical mechanisms and scaling laws of K-shell double photoionization

We report on the photon energy dependence of the K-shell double photoionization (DPI) of Mg, Al, and Si. The DPI cross sections were derived from high-resolution measurements of x-ray spectra following the radiative decay of the K-shell double vacancy states. Our data evince the relative importance of the final-state electron-electron interaction to the DPI. By comparing the double-to-single K-shell photoionization cross-section ratios for neutral atoms with convergent close-coupling calculations for He-like ions, the effect of outer shell electrons on the K-shell DPI process is assessed. Universal scaling of the DPI cross sections with the effective nuclear charge for neutral atoms is revealed.

Double ionization of lithiumlike ions by Compton scattering of high-energy photons

The double ionization of lithiumlike ions by Compton scattering of photons is investigated in the asymptotic high-energy region. To leading order of the nonrelativistic perturbation theory, the total cross section for double Compton effect is calculated, taking into account the channels of simultaneous and sequential emission of two electrons. Relationships between the cross sections for double ionization of He- and Li-like ions with the same nuclear charge Z are established. This can open wide perspectives for experimental investigations of ionization processes involving low-lying excited states. The universal scaling is found for the ratio of double-to-single ionization in the lithium isoelectronic sequence.