Theory predicts that double-core-hole (DCH) spectroscopy can provide a new powerful means of differentiating between similar chemical systems with a sensitivity not hitherto possible. Although DCH ionization on a single site in molecules was recently measured with double-and single-photon absorption, double-core holes with single vacancies on two different sites, allowing unambiguous chemical analysis, have remained elusive. Here we report that direct observation of double-core holes with single vacancies on two different sites produced via sequential two-photon absorption, using short, intense X-ray pulses from the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser and compare it with theoretical modeling. The observation of DCH states, which exhibit a unique signature, and agreement with theory proves the feasibility of the method. Our findings exploit the ultrashort pulse duration of the free-electron laser to eject two core electrons on a time scale comparable to that of Auger decay and demonstrate possible future X-ray control of physical inner-shell processes.multi-photon ionization | ultrafast | two-photon spectroscopy

The absolute photoabsorption cross section of benzene (C6H6), encompassing the C 1s−1 π*e2u resonance, the C 1s threshold, the satellite thresholds, and extending up to 800 eV, has been measured using synchrotron radiation. Measurements of the discrete absorption structure from below the C 1s ionization threshold have been performed at high resolution. In order to unambiguously assign all structure present in the photoabsorption cross section, C 1s photoelectron spectra were measured from the C 1s threshold region up to 350 eV along with satellite spectra. The C 1s−1 single-hole and the satellite cross sections have been derived in absolute units, and their angular distributions have been determined. Resonant and normal Auger spectra were taken on the main features of the photoabsorption and single-hole cross sections. From the best resolved photoelectron spectra the underlying structure in the asymmetric benzene photoelectron peak can be partly disentangled. The experimental data show that at least two vibrational modes play a role in the C 1s photoelectron spectrum. The behavior of the investigated shake-up structure closely resembles that of ethene and ethyne, where the satellite bands due to π→π* excitations gain intensity towards threshold, an observation which may be attributed to conjugate shake-up processes. These processes lead to a significant contribution of the satellite intensity to the production of the absorption features traditionally assigned to the carbon shape resonances in benzene. An EXAFS analysis of the wide range oscillations present on the photoabsorption cross section has been performed, and reveals the C–C nearest-neighbor distance.

The 3d photoelectron spectrum of xenon has been measured at several photon energies in the immediate threshold region. The absolute photoionization cross section and angular anisotropy parameter ␤ have been determined for the two spin-orbit-split components. The experimental results are compared with calculations using a relaxed single-channel approximation. In agreement with theory, most abrupt changes in cross section and angular distribution are observed just above threshold. However, the Xe 3d 5/2 photoionization cross section also reveals, some 30-eV above threshold a second maximum that has not been predicted theoretically.

Direct measurements of Ar^{+} 1s^{-1}2p^{-1}nl double-core-hole shake-up states are reported using conventional single-channel photoemission, offering a new and relatively easy means to study such species. The high-quality results yield accurate energies and lifetimes of the double-core-hole states. Their photoemission spectrum also can be likened to 1s absorption of an exotic argon ion with a 2p core vacancy, providing new information about the spectroscopy of both this unusual ionic state as well as the neutral atom.