(atomic physics) The radiationless transition of an electron in an atom from a discrete electronic level to an ionized continuum level of the same energy. Also known as preionization.
Autoionization
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(¦öd·ō′ī·ə·nə′zā·shən)
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Autoionization is a process by which atoms or molecules spontaneously transition from an electrically neutral state to a lower-energy ionized state.[1]
Atoms can autoionize when the two valence electrons are both excited and, through electrostatic interactions, one of the electrons is ejected, ionizing the atom. Molecules can experience vibrational autoionization.[2]
For an example of molecular autoionization, see self-ionization of water.
Other examples are given by the autoionization of core-excited molecules, see Auger effect, or of Rydberg atoms.
Autoionizing states are resonances.
More specifically, autoionization refers to non-redox ionization of a molecular substance. See molecular autoionization
See also
References
- ^ International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. "auto-ionization". Compendium of Chemical Terminology Internet edition.
- ^ Pratt, S.T. (2005), "Vibrational Autoionization in Polyatomic Molecules1", Annual Review of Physical Chemistry 56: 281, doi:
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