Abstract
Double ionization of the helium atom by slow electron impact (E0=106eV) is studied in a kinematically complete experiment. Because of a low excess energy Eexc=27eV above the double ionization threshold, a strongly correlated three-electron continuum is realized. This is demonstrated by measuring and calculating the fully differential cross sections for equal energy sharing of the final-state electrons. While the electron emission is dominated by a strong Coulomb repulsion, also signatures of more complex dynamics of the full four-body system are identified.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 193201 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 May 2007 |