Theory of the photodetachment of negative ions in a magnetic field

The behavior of the photodetachment cross section of the $S^{-}$ ion near thresholds in a magnetic field is derived. This cross section is shown to have an oscillatory dependence on photon energy. The calculation is based on first-order time-dependent perturbation theory, and final-state interactions are ignored. The weights of individual transitions between the various Zeeman sublevels for different light polarizations are given in terms of the appropriate angular momentum coupling coefficients. Broadening of the features of the cross section due to the motion of the ions is included in the calculation. The Wigner-law behavior known to be valid for zero magnetic field is shown to result from the magnetic field dependent cross section in the limit of low magnetic field. The theory is shown to be in good agreement with experimental results. The extension of the theory to other atomic negative ions is discussed.