Photodetachment of H− in parallel electric and magnetic fields near metal surface

Abstract

The influence of electric field on the photodetachment of H− in magnetic field near a metal surface has been studied using the closed-orbit theory. It is found that the photodetachment of H− in the magnetic field near a metal surface is not only related to the electric field strength but also to the electric field direction. If the electric field F is along the +z axis and no matter what value of the F is, it all can strengthen the oscillation in the photodetachment cross section. However, if the electric field is along the −z axis, the situation becomes much more complicated. When the electric field is small, the cross section approaches to the case of H− in magnetic field near a metal surface. If the electric field strength continues to increase and just be able to counteract the metallic attraction, then no closed orbit can be formed. So the cross section is nearly the same as the case of H− without any fields. If the electric field further increases, the cross section approaches to the case of H− in downward electric field near a metal surface.