Theoretical description of field-assisted post-collision interaction in Auger decay of atoms

TL;DR

This paper provides a detailed theoretical analysis of field-assisted post-collision interaction in Auger decay, combining numerical and analytical methods to improve understanding of ultrafast atomic processes and XUV pulse characterization.

Contribution

It extends previous work by offering a comprehensive theoretical framework for field-assisted PCI using Schrödinger equation solutions, Monte Carlo simulations, and analytical theory.

Findings

Auger electrons exhibit an energetic chirp due to PCI.

Dependence of PCI effects on streaking and excitation conditions is characterized.

Insights gained can enhance ultrafast atomic process understanding and XUV pulse measurement.

Abstract

In a recent publication [B. Schuette, S. Bauch et al., accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett. 2012] it was demonstrated both, experimentally and theoretically, that Auger electrons are subject to an energetic chirp if a three-body-interaction dubbed post-collision interaction (PCI) is involved. Here, we extend previous theoretical work and give a detailed analysis of field-assisted PCI based on numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation, extensive Monte-Carlo averaged molecular dynamics simulations and analytical theory. The dependence on various streaking and excitation conditions is investigated, and we discuss, how these findings may help to improve XUV pulse characterization as well as understanding of ultrafast atomic processes.