Photoionization in the time and frequency domain

TLDR

Attosecond pulses enable observation of the fastest electronic processes, and tracking photoemission dynamics has uncovered a discrepancy between experimental results and theoretical models. The study introduces an ultrafast mechanism that distinguishes and accounts for the various contributions to neon photoemission. The authors identify an electron shake‑up process that resolves the long‑standing discrepancy in neon photoemission. Isinger et al., Science, p.

Abstract

Resetting the clock on photoemission The ability to produce attosecond pulses of light provides access to some of the fastest electronic processes occurring within atoms. Tracking the temporal dynamics of the photoemission process in which an atom absorbs a high-energy photon and the electron escapes has exposed a discrepancy between the initial experimental findings and subsequent theoretical modeling. Isinger et al. present an ultrafast process that can account for and distinguish the different contributions to the photoemission processes in neon atoms. The findings reveal an “electron shake-up” process that may explain the discrepancy, bringing closure to a 7-year discussion. Science , this issue p. 893