Themed collection Festschrift Ivan Powis: Advances in Molecular Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Fundamentals & Application
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Fundamentals and applications of molecular photoelectron spectroscopy – Festschrift for Ivan Powis
This themed collection includes a collection of articles on fundamentals and applications of molecular photoelectron spectroscopy.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 24611-24613
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP90168D
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Trends in angle-resolved molecular photoelectron spectroscopy
In this perspective article, main trends of angle-resolved molecular photoelectron spectroscopy in the laboratory up to the molecular frame, in different regimes of light-matter interactions, are highlighted with emphasis on foundations and most recent applications.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 24614-24654
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP02725A
Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy: the continuing evolution of a mature technique
In this perspective, we discuss the current state of the art of time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to probe nonadiabatic dynamics, including ab initio approaches for its simulation and new experimental efforts.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 20012-20024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05885A
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Quantum coherence in molecular photoionization
Onset, decay, and control of ultrafast quantum coherence in many-electron systems is in the focus of interest of attosecond physics. We discuss electronic and nuclear dynamics affecting it, and outline directions for future study.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 19673-19686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP01562E
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Photoionization of the aqueous phase: clusters, droplets and liquid jets
This perspective article reviews specific challenges associated with photoemission spectroscopy of bulk liquid water, aqueous solutions, water droplets and water clusters.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 13438-13460
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP00164K
Photoelectron spectroscopy in molecular physical chemistry
Photoelectron spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful tool for physical chemistry and molecular physics. Some recent examples are highlighted in this perspective.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1944-1959
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04984D
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Detecting chirality in mixtures using nanosecond photoelectron circular dichroism
This article presents a new chirality detection method of structural isomers using nanosecond photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD).
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2758-2761
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05468F
Photo-isomerization of the isolated photoactive yellow protein chromophore: what comes before the primary step?
The electronic and nuclear changes that take place before isomerisation sets in for the PYP chromophore anion are captured.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1305-1309
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05259D
Threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of iminoborane, HBNH
A threshold photoelectron spectrum of HBNH is reported, recorded using synchrotron radiation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 20-24
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04899F
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Pulse length dependence of photoelectron circular dichroism
We investigated photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) using pulses with various durations. From the experiment with fenchone, we found constancy of the PECD over a wide range of pulse durations and estimated lifetimes of internal conversions.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 27483-27494
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP03202C
Dipole effects in the photoelectron angular distributions of the sulfur monoxide anion
Charge–dipole interactions of the departing electron with the neutral residue affect the angular distribution in anion photodetachment.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 23367-23381
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP03337B
Coincident measurement of photo-ion circular dichroism and photo-electron circular dichroism in 1-phenylethylamine
Here, we report the coincident measurement of PICD and PECD effects in 1-phenylethylamine upon multiphoton ionization.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 15904-15911
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP01418A
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A geometric approach to decoding molecular structure and dynamics from photoionization of isotropic samples
The photoionization dipole defines a molecule-specific vector field in the photoelectron momentum space. What information about this vector field is encoded in the photoelectron angular distribution obtained from a randomly oriented sample?
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 13605-13615
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05645J
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Influence of the emission site on the photoelectron circular dichroism in trifluoromethyloxirane
The photoelectron circular dichroism is strongly influenced by the origin where the electron is set free.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 13597-13604
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP00143H
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New opportunities for ultrafast and highly enantio-sensitive imaging of chiral nuclear dynamics enabled by synthetic chiral light
Synthetic chiral light enables ultrafast and highly efficient imaging and control of molecular chirality. Here we explore how this giant enantio-sensitivity could be exploited to monitor, in real time, chiral nuclear dynamics during chemical reactions.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 10193-10200
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05427A
Recoil lineshapes in hard X-ray photoelectron spectra of large molecules – free and anchored-on-surface 10-aminodecane-1-thiol
Core-level photoelectron spectroscopy of molecules presents unique opportunities but also challenges in the Hard X-ray Spectroscopy (HAXPES) realm.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 10465-10474
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05777D
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Increasing ion yield circular dichroism in femtosecond photoionisation using optimal control theory
We use optimal control theory and quantum dynamical simulations to show that shaped electromagnetic pulses can increase the difference in absorption of the enantiomers of fenchone in an effective two-level description.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 9286-9297
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05239J
Electron delocalisation in conjugated sulfur heterocycles probed by resonant Auger spectroscopy
Conjugation and hyperconjugation in core-excited states of organosulfur molecules probed by a novel experimental and theoretical approach using resonant Auger spectroscopy.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 8477-8487
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05910F
Multi-electron excitation contributions towards primary and satellite states in the photoelectron spectrum
The computation of Dyson orbitals and corresponding ionization energies has been implemented within the equation of motion coupled cluster singles, doubles and perturbative triples (EOM-CC3) method.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 8329-8343
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04695K
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Photoelectron circular dichroism in angle-resolved photoemission from liquid fenchone
We present the first X-ray photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) study from a liquid phase sample, exemplified for liquid fenchone at the C 1s edge.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 8081-8092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05748K
Vibrationally resolved photoelectron angular distributions of ammonia
Photoelectron angular distributions of ammonia reflect, under special circumstances, the double-well potential of its umbrella mode.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 7700-7712
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP00627H
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Disentangling enantiosensitivity from dichroism using bichromatic fields
Photoionization of chiral molecules with two-color fields leads to photoelectron signals that are enantio-sensitive but nevertheless independent of the ellipticity of the field and thus robust with respect to changes of the two-color relative phase.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 7264-7273
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05833A
Elliptic dichroism in strong-field ionization of atoms subjected to tailored laser fields
Elliptic dichroism parameter (from −1 (blue) to +1 (yellow)) in strong-field ionization of argon by an ω–2ω BEOTC (ε = 0.4 and 0.6) field.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 7014-7027
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05209H
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Simulation of Auger decay dynamics in the hard X-ray regime: HCl as a showcase
2-D core-electron spectroscopy: resolving excitation and relaxation pathways.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 6590-6604
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05662J
Photoelectron elliptical dichroism spectroscopy of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization via the 3s, 3p and 3d Rydberg series in fenchone
In 2 + 1 fs-REMPI of chiral molecules, recording the forward–backward asymmetry in the photoelectron distribution as a function of the ionizing light ellipticity reveals the non-adiabatic couplings occurring during the 70 fs duration of the pulses.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 6415-6427
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05618B
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Electron and ion spectroscopy of the cyclo-alanine–alanine dipeptide
The VUV photoionisation and photofragmentation of cyclo-alanine-alanine (cAA) has been studied in a joint experimental and theoretical work. The photoelectron spectrum and the photoelectronphotoion coincidence (PEPICO) measurements, which enable control of the energy being deposited, combined with quantum chemistry calculations, provide direct insight into the cAA molecular stability after photoionisation. The analysis of the ion-neutral coincidence experiments with the molecular dynamics simulations and the exploration of the potential energy surface allows a complete identification of the fragmentation pathways. It has been found that the fragmentation always start with the ring opening through the C–C bond cleavage, followed by release of neutral moieties CO or HNCO.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 5855-5867
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05811H
Ultrafast dissociation of ammonia: Auger Doppler effect and redistribution of the internal energy
Vibrationally-resolved resonant Auger electron–photoion coincidence measurements allow observing the Auger–Doppler effect in ammonia following ultrafast dissociation. About 43% of the internal energy left in the system is transferred to vibrations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 5842-5854
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05499F
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Propensity rules for photoelectron circular dichroism in strong field ionization of chiral molecules
A chiral initial state state is the sum of two counter-propagating chiral electron currents. Intense circularly polarized light selects the counter-rotating electrons and projects their asymptotic perpendicular velocity on the continuum to yield PECD.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 5720-5728
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05485F
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PECD study of a single-conformer molecule: a critical comparison of experiment and theory
Photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) displays sensitivity to tiny conformational geometry modifications. The influence of rotating functional groups on PECD is confirmed through investigating norcamphor, a mono-conformer molecule.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 4626-4634
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05416C
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Elucidating the photoprotective properties of natural UV screening agents: ZEKE–PFI spectroscopy of methyl sinapate
Zero Kinetic Energy photoelectron spectroscopy has provided unique spectral and dynamic fingerprints of electronically excited states of UV filters used in nature, and allowed to characterize the hitherto elusive ground state of its radical cation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 3984-3993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05958K
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On the absolute photoionization cross section and threshold photoelectron spectrum of two reactive ketenes in lignin valorization: fulvenone and 2-carbonyl cyclohexadienone
The absolute photoionization cross section (PICS) of these crucial ketene intermediates supports their quantification in lignin pyrolysis, combustion and organic synthesis.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 3655-3663
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05206C
Threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of 9-methyladenine: theory and experiment
TPES spectroscopy is used to unveil the complex vibronic structure of 9-methyladenine cations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 3523-3531
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03729C
Fragmentation dynamics of doubly charged camphor molecule following C 1s Auger decay
Investigation of the fragmentation of doubly charged camphor molecule following C 1s Auger decay experimentally by VMI-PEPIPICO, supplemented with MD simulations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2944-2957
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05176H
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Solvent and cosolute dependence of Mg surface enrichment in submicron aerosol particles
In situ XPS of aerosol particles formed from aqueous and EtOH solutions of Mg and Na bromides show surface enrichment of Mg, while particles grown from aqueous solution of Ca and Mg chlorides do not exhibit surface segregation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2934-2943
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04953D
Pulsed-ramped-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy: a methodological advance
A new method is proposed to record photoelectron spectra based on the well-established pulsed-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy technique and inspired by the data treatment employed in slow photoelectron spectroscopy.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2777-2784
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04569E
Frontier orbital stability of nitroxyl organic radicals probed by means of inner shell resonantly enhanced valence band photoelectron spectroscopy
We have investigated the frontier orbitals of persistent organic radicals known as nitroxyls by resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (ResPES) under inner shell excitation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1993-2003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05264K
Vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry of sulfuric acid vapor: a combined experimental and theoretical study
VUV photoionization of gas-phase H2SO4 has been studied by using i2PEPICO. Three electronic states of H2SO4+ have been prepared and their ionization energies are determined, as well as the adiabatic appearance energy of fragments.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2015-2021
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05237C
Formation of phenylacetylene and benzocyclobutadiene in the ortho-benzyne + acetylene reaction
A combined experimental and theoretical study of the ortho-benzyne + acetylene reaction using iPEPICO spectroscopy concludes that phenylacetylene and benzocyclobutadiene are formed in a 2 : 1 ratio under nonequilibrium conditions.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1869-1876
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05183K
Auger electron angular distributions following excitation or ionization from the Xe 3d and F 1s levels in xenon difluoride
Electron spectroscopy following Xe 3d and F 1s ionization in XeF2 elucidates the influence of core electrons on molecular bonding.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1367-1379
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04797C
A plethora of isomerization processes and hydrogen scrambling in the fragmentation of the methanol dimer cation: a PEPICO study
Photoelectron photoion coincidence reveals two new dissociative ionization channels in the methanol dimer, including C–C bond formation, and establishes the H-scrambling mechanism by partial deuteration.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1437-1446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05155E
Resonant two-photon photoelectron imaging and adiabatic detachment processes from bound vibrational levels of dipole-bound states
Anions cannot have Rydberg states, but anions with polar neutral cores can support highly diffuse dipole-bound states (DBSs) as a class of interesting electronic excited states below the electron detachment threshold.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1380-1389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05219E
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Single photon double and triple ionization of allene
Single photon double and triple ionization of allene is investigated using multi-particle coincidence spectroscopies. Key findings comprise supporting evidence for a previously proposed roaming mechanism in H3+ formation by double ionization.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 786-796
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04666G
Ultrafast conformational dynamics of Rydberg-excited N-methyl piperidine
Ultrafast coherent oscillations and subsequent conformational dynamics in N-methyl piperidine are observed upon excitation to 3s and 3p Rydberg states.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 27417-27427
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04236J
Ultraviolet photodissociation circular dichroism spectroscopy of protonated L-phenylalanyl-L-alanine in a cryogenic ion trap
The circular dichroism spectrum of protonated L-phenylalanyl-L-alanine near the S0–S1 origin band is strongly influenced by the side-chain conformation of the phenylalanine residue.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 24180-24186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04030H
Valence-shell photoelectron circular dichroism of ruthenium(III)-tris-(acetylacetonato) gas-phase enantiomers
Mirror-image VUV photoelectron circular dichroism spectra (PECD) of the propeller-type chiral Ru(acac)3 enantiomers were measured with asymmetries up to 14%, suggesting that PECD is a universal mechanism, inherent to any type of chirality.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 24140-24153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02921E
Vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry of the conformers of the ethyl peroxy radical
C2H5O2 plus its gauche and trans conformers are studied using synchrotron-based VUV photoionization mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations, and it is found that the gauche conformer has favorable Franck–Condon factors in photoionization.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 22096-22102
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02655K
Photoelectron circular dichroism of O 1s-photoelectrons of uniaxially oriented trifluoromethyloxirane: energy dependence and sensitivity to molecular configuration
Distant ligands invert photoelectron circular dichroism.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 17248-17258
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02462K
About this collection
This themed collection is in honour of Professor Ivan Powis’ recent emeritus status and 68th birthday.
Ivan Powis has been a key player in many developments of photoelectron spectroscopy. He is particularly recognised as a pioneer of photoelectron circular dichroism, a field he triggered via two seminal theoretical papers published in 2000. Ivan has remained at the forefront of this growing field over the past two decades, and this Festschrift issue celebrates his great contributions and achievements. This themed collection of PCCP will highlight both fundamental and applied aspects of molecular photoionization processes, including photodetachment and a broad range of targets (from diatomics to liquid jets, including of course chiral systems), in all regimes of light-matter interaction.
Guest Edited by: Maurice Janssen (MassSpecpecD BV, the Netherlands), Laurent Nahon (Soleil Synchrotron, France), Olga Smirnova (Max Born Institute and Technical University Berlin, Germany) and Albert Stolow (University of Ottawa and NRC, Canada).