Double K-photoionization of heavy atoms

The double K-photoionization of heavy atoms is a rare process which produces a “hollow atom”. We have recently conducted a comprehensive study of the energy-dependence of double K-photoionization in Ag(Z=47) aimed at elucidating the processes contributing. These measurements have served to isolate the effects of the dynamic electron–electron scattering term from the shake-off contribution and demonstrate a significantly larger scattering contribution than in lighter atoms. Based on those results and other measurements in lighter systems, we have developed a quantitative model to predict the energy-dependence of double K-photoionization in other atoms.