Quantum Molecular Charge-Transfer Model for Multi-step Auger-Meitner Decay Cascade Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new simulation method combining decay dynamics and molecular dynamics to model ultrafast charge transfer and fragmentation in molecules after inner-shell decay, providing insights into the timescale and energies involved.

Contribution

A novel coupled simulation approach that integrates decay spawning dynamics with ab initio molecular dynamics for modeling multi-step Auger-Meitner decay in molecules.

Findings

Charge transfer and decay occur on a ~75 fs timescale.

Computed ion fragment energies match experimental results.

Method reveals detailed ultrafast decay and fragmentation dynamics.

Abstract

The fragmentation of molecular cations following inner-shell decay processes in molecules containing heavy elements underpins the x-ray damage effects observed in x-ray scattering measurements of biological and chemical materials, as well as in medical applications involving Auger-electron emitting radionuclides. Traditionally, these processes are modeled using simulations that describe the electronic structure at an atomic level, thereby omitting molecular bonding effects. This work addresses the gap by introducing a novel approach that couples a decay spawning dynamics algorithm with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to characterize ultrafast dynamics on the potential energy surfaces. We apply our method to a model decay cascade following K-shell ionization of IBr and subsequent K\b{eta} fluorescence decay. We examine two competing channels that undergo two decay steps, resulting in ion pairs with a total +3 charge state. This approach provides a continuous description of the electron transfer dynamics occurring during the multi-step decay cascade and molecular fragmentation, revealing the combined inner-shell decay and charge transfer timescale to be approximately 75 fs. Our computed kinetic energies of ion fragments show good agreement with experimental data.