Photoelectron spectra: A tool of analysis of irradiation dynamics

Abstract

We explore from a theoretical perspective photoelectron spectra emitted from a Na8 cluster irradiated by a short laser pulse. We use time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) at the level of the local-density approximation (LDA). That includes a self-interaction correction (SIC) to recover the proper emission threshold. As environments are known to play an important role in irradiation dynamics, we consider the example of Na8 deposited on a MgO(001) surface and compare it to the case of a free cluster. Anisotropy of emission is also briefly discussed.