Orbital picture in molecular inner-shell excited states of Rydberg-valence mixed character

Abstract

The core-to-σ* excited state is repulsive for the bond elongation; on the other hand, the core ionized state and the core-to-π* state are bound and the core-to-Rydberg states are almost parallel to the potential energy curve of the core ionized state. Thus, the core-electron excitation to the unoccupied σ* orbital can be mixed with the one-electron Rydberg or continuum orbital, as dependent on the bond distance, and even with the unoccupied π* orbital in some cases. Within the framework of one-electron picture, we show σ* orbitals mixed with Rydberg character in the 1s excitation of O 2 and CH 3 F, and Rydberg orbitals mixed with valence character in the 1s excitation of CH 4 , CO 2 , and N 2 O.

Photofragmentation of cyanogen upon carbon and nitrogen K-shell excitation by partial ion yield experiments

“…Although our assignment refers to pure Rydberg states denomination, low Rydberg states are commonly described as Rydberg-valence mixed character [36]. In figure 2 we show the ion yields measured for C 2 N + 2 , CN + and N + .…”