Tracking the Complex Dynamics of Electron-Transfer-Mediated Decay in Real Space and Time
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: decay channels, nuclear dynamics play a crucial role as they have a direct impact on the decay efficiency itself. Here, we present a detailed study of the electron-transfer-mediated decay in a loosely bound triatomic prototype system, combining experimental results from a 5-fold coincidence measurement and theoretical modeling of the decay process. Depending on the decay time, we find that certain classes of molecular geometries are favored for this type of decay. Our findings provide an intuitive picture of how electron-transfer-mediated decay proceeds. In particular, our results confirm a roaming-like behavior of the atoms of the trimer prior to its decay. Our combined theoretical and experimental approach enables a comprehensive tracing of the real-space properties of the decaying system in the time domain.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c15510
Authors: Florian Trinter, Jaroslav Hofierka, Jonas Rist, Max Kircher, Miriam Weller, Niklas Melzer, Dimitrios Tsitsonis, Angelina Geyer, Jan Kruse, Gregor Kastirke, Joshua B. Williams, Tsveta Miteva, Reinhard Dörner, Markus S. Schöffler, Maksim Kunitski, Nicolas Sisourat, Lorenz S. Cederbaum, Till Jahnke
Institutions: Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Heidelberg University, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, University of Nevada, Reno, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire de Chimie Physique - Matière et Rayonnement, European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser
Language: English
Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7125548823