2p photoelectron spectra and linear alignment dichroism of atomic Cr -: art. no. 042707

The 2p photoionization of free Cr atoms has been studied. Unpolarized as well as laser-aligned Cr atoms have been ionized with linearly polarized undulator radiation well above the 2p ionization thresholds. The investigation of the main and satellite 2p photoelectron lines and of the linear alignment dichroism allowed for a detailed characterization of the Cr 2p photoionization process. The spectra are compared to the predictions of the pure jK coupling model and to the results of intermediate coupling Hartree-Fock calculations. The importance of the investigations for the discussion of the 2p photoelectron spectra of bound 3d transition-metal atoms is pointed out.