Statistical fragmentation patterns in multiphoton ionization: A comparison with experiment

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Breakdown curves computed in the statistical limit are presented for benzene, toluene, t‐butylbenzene, triethylenediamine, and iodomethane. The statistical limit is that of the fragmentation pattern of maximal entrophy (subject only to conserved quantities). In this limit the fragmentation pattern is governed by the mean energy 〈E〉 absorbed per molecule. By varying 〈E〉 it is found possible to span the range from low to extensive fragmentation. For the five molecules tested, the statistical limit reproduces the experimental multiphoton ionization‐fragmentation patterns reported by Lichtin, Bernstein, and Newton as is expected on the basis of their experimental, ’’alternative doorway’’ appraisal. Another prediction, not yet tested by experiment, is that in the statistical limit it should prove possible to obtain similar fragmentation patterns for different isomers (e.g., naphthalene and azulene). Internal state distributions offer a third way in which the statistical limit can be compared with experiment.