Spatial and temporal evolution of ionic fragments produced by deep core-level ionization

Physical Review A 2026 Open access

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Authors: Oksana Travnikova, J. Liu, R. Püttner, K. Jänkälä, Nicolas Sisourat, T. Marchenko, Renaud Guillemin, D. Céolin, M. N. Piancaśtelli, Faris Gel'mukhanov, Marc Simon, Victor Kimberg
DOI: 10.1103/6bdq-fwrd
Cited by: 2
References: 49

Abstract

Multiply charged molecules fragment under Coulomb repulsion, leaving characteristic fingerprints in ensuing electronic decay. Using K-shell ionization of HCl as a benchmark, we identify metastable intermediates that persist to internuclear separations beyond 100 a.u., where weakened Coulomb interactions enable the emergence of narrow atomic lines, while short-lived states decay at smaller separations, producing broad, red-shifted backgrounds. This work provides a previously missing dynamical description of coupled electronic and nuclear evolution in the Coulomb fragmentation regime.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atomic and Molecular Physics Advanced Chemical Physics Studies Laser-Matter Interactions and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review A
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
113
Issue
1
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN