Threshold photoionization in HCL

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Abstract
The threshold photoelectron spectrum of HCl shows two bands (2Π3/2 and 2Π1/2) of unequal intensity and width with partially resolved rotational structure, the 2Π1/2 band being about half the 2Π3/2 one. Autoionization of Rydberg states with a 2Π1/2 core into the 2Π3/2 continuum, added to direct ionization, explains the difference observed on the bands which would otherwise be of equal intensities. Direct ionization is observed to proceed according to the rotation spectator model while the autoionization process is due to the combined effects of spin-orbit coupling and L and S uncoupling [Hund’s case (e)] yielding high rotational angular momentum transfer ΔJ≤7/2.