Photoionization spectrum of solvated electrons

Abstract
Photoionization cross sections are reported for solvated electrons at photon energies from 1.2–4.1 eV and the sodium species Na (2.8–4.1 eV) in hexamethyl phosphoric triamide (HMPA). Cross sections are obtained by the recently developed method of energy distribution curve (EDC) superposition for photoelectron emission by solutions of sodium metal (5–96 mM liter−1) in HMPA. The EDC's, spectral response curves for quantum yield, and cross section curves are discussed, and photoionization mechanisms are suggested for the Na species. Experimental methods are briefly outlined. This seems to be the first determination of cross sections for solvated electrons and the Na species in a liquid solution of high ionic conductivity.