Ionization of two-electron systems by Compton scattering of a photon

Multielectron transitions induced by neutron impact on helium

We explore excitation and ionization by neutron impact as a novel tool for the investigation of electron-electron correlations in helium. We present single- and double-ionization spectra calculated in accurate numerical ab initio simulations for incoming neutrons with kinetic energies of up to 150 keV. The resulting electron spectra are found to be fundamentally different from photoionization or charged particle impact due to the intrinsic many-body character of the interaction. In particular, doubly excited resonances that are strongly suppressed in electron or photon impact become prominent. The ratio of double to single ionization is found to differ significantly from those of photon and charged-particle impact.

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.

Double photoionization and transfer ionization of he: shakeoff theory revisited

The shakeoff theory of Aberg [Phys. Rev. A 2, 1726 (1970)] is revisited. With the sudden approximation, we calculate the shakeoff probability when one of the electrons in He is ejected with a finite velocity. This theory is used to examine ratios of cross sections for double to single photoionization and transfer ionization to single electron capture. It is also shown that the momentum distribution of the shakeoff electron provides a means to measure the correlation of the ground state wave function directly.