Double photoionization in the case of unequal energy sharing

Abstract

The triply differential cross section (TDCS) for double photoionization of helium is calculated using a three-body Coulomb correlated final state wavefunction which treats the three Coulomb particles on an equal basis. Complementary to preceding publications by Maulbetsch and Briggs (1992, 1993) emphasis is given to the case of unequal sharing of the available excess energy. The breakdown of selection rules which apply in the equal energy sharing case leads to a greater variety of angular patterns. Excellent agreement is obtained with the first experimental results for unequal energy sharing.