Atomic Photoionization in the Born Approximation and Angular Distribution of Photoelectrons

Abstract

The article is concerned with photoelectron spectroscopy of Alkali-atoms such as Li, Na, K etc.Calculations are presented for the differential cross sections and total cross section for photoionization from initial states (ground) of alkali atom.Explicit formula for the total cross section has been obtained by appling the Born Approximation.Based on this, the primary expression for the angular distribution of photoelectrons is obtained with the help of well known paper of Cooper and Zare.The photoelectron angular distributions from atoms is presented along with a few alkali-atoms and physical interpretation of results is emphasized.The photoelectron angular distribution asymmetry parameter 𝛽 show strong variations with energy.This variation is due to the spin-orbit interaction of the continuum electron which gives rises to various final states, in place of the single state non-relativistically.