Zeno-clocking the Auger decay

TL;DR

This paper proposes using the quantum Zeno effect to control Auger decay dynamics by repeated measurements, extending the timescale of spectroscopy and affecting electron behavior and entanglement.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to manipulate Auger decay using the quantum Zeno effect, with a concrete protocol for atomic lithium.

Findings

Repeated measurements increase core-hole lifetime

Alter the kinetic energy distribution of Auger electrons

Modify entanglement formation during decay

Abstract

A tenet of time-resolved spectroscopy is -faster laser pulses for shorter timescales- . Here we suggest turning this paradigm around, and slow down the system dynamics via repeated measurements, to do spectroscopy on longer timescales. This is the principle of the quantum Zeno effect. We exemplify our approach with the Auger process, and find that repeated measurements increase the core-hole lifetime, redistribute the kinetic energy of Auger electrons, and alter entanglement formation. We further provide an explicit experimental protocol for atomic Li, to make our proposal concrete.