Photodetachment cross section of a negative molecular ion near a nanospherical surface

Abstract

The photodetachment of a diatomic negative molecular ion (H) near a nanospherical surface is investigated. Analytical results for the flux of detached electron waves and photodetachment cross section are derived. It is demonstrated that the flux of the detached electron waves and photodetachment cross section of H near a nanospherical surface are directly related to the radius of curvature, inter-ion–surface distance, and bond length or separation of the atomic centers. These parameters strongly influence the oscillating structure of the detached electron spectra of the molecular ions. Fine control over these parameters can be used to determine structural information of negative ions, curvature and roughness in the surface at the nanoscale, and dissociation of molecules near surfaces and fields.