Photoionization Dynamics and Ion State Distributions in Single-Photon and Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization of Molecules.

This thesis presents results of theoretical studies of single-photon ionization and resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of several small molecules. The first part of the thesis examines shape resonances in the photoionization of O_2. Studies reported here include investigations of branching ratios of electronic multiplet states in the 3sigma _{g} and 1pi_ {u} photoionization of O_2 and a comparison of photoionization of the singlet states, a ^1Delta_{g} and d ^1prod_{g } (3ssigma_{g} 1pi_{g}), with that of the ground state of O_2. These studies show that the electronic exchange interaction between the ion core and the photoelectron in shape resonant energy regions profoundly affects the electronic state distributions of the molecular ion. We also report vibrational branching ratios in the single-photon ionization of O_2 , and in REMPI of O_2 via the G^3prod_{g} Rydberg state. In these studies, we find that a shape resonance causes a dependence of the electronic transition moment on the molecular geometry leading to non-Franck -Condon ion vibrational distributions and a dependence of the rotational branch intensity on the ion vibrational state. The second part of this thesis examines shape resonances in other molecules, focusing on the more general aspects of the photoionization dynamics. Here we present studies of the vibrational state distributions in the 7 sigma photoionization of the polyatomic N_2O, where a shape resonance causes non-Franck-Condon vibrational state distributions, the degree of which depends on the nuclear displacements involved and whether the shape resonance is localized on a particular bond. We also study the photoionization dynamics of the valence shell of Cl_2, where a shape resonance is also seen. Finally, we present studies of the K-shell ionization of CO. Studies in this energy region have assumed a new importance with the development of tunable X-ray synchrotron sources. Here, electronic relaxation in the production of a K-shell hole is seen to significantly influence the photoionization cross section in shape resonant energy regions. The mathematical framework is given to separate and analyze the effects of electronic relaxation in the photoionization cross section and calculate K-shell satellite spectra from first principles. The results of examination of all these photoionization processes are discussed in the context of recent experiments. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).