Photoelectron branching ratios and angular distributions for the valence levels of SF6in the range16≤hν≤30eV

Photoelectron branching ratios and angular distributions have been measured for the six outermost levels of S${\mathrm{F}}_6$ in the range $16\le h\nu \le 30$ eV with the use of synchrotron radiation. These results are discussed in the framework of the large variety of experimental and theoretical studies of S${\mathrm{F}}_6$ with the dual objective of resolving the long-standing problem of the ordering of the valence shells and of gaining some insight into the role of shape-resonant behavior in the low-energy photoionization continua of S${\mathrm{F}}_6$. These objectives are met with partial success in that we tentatively conclude the valence configuration $5a_{1g}^{2}4t_{1u}^{6}1t_{2g}^{6}3e_g^4(1\mathrm{}{t}_{2u}^6+5\mathrm{}{t}_{1u}^6)1\mathrm{}{t}_{1g}^6{}_{}{}^1{}_{}{}^{}A_{1g}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$ is most consistent with the available body of evidence and that it is plausible to invoke channel interaction near the strong resonant feature at $h\nu \sim 23-24$ eV to help account for some of the apparently contradictory evidence. Further experimental and theoretical work is suggested to clarify these issues.