Ionization of clusters in strong X-ray laser pulses

The effect of intense X-ray laser interaction on argon clusters is studied theoretically with a mixed quantum/classical approach. In comparison to a single atom we find that ionization of the cluster is suppressed, which is in striking contrast to the observed behavior of rare-gas clusters in intense optical laser pulses. We have identified two effects responsible for this phenomenon: A high space charge of the cluster in combination with a small quiver amplitude and delocalization of electrons in the cluster. We elucidate their impact for different field strengths and cluster sizes.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Enhanced ionization in small rare gas clusters

A detailed theoretical investigation of rare gas atom clusters under intense short laser pulses reveals that the mechanism of energy absorption is akin to {\it enhanced ionization} first discovered for diatomic molecules. The phenomenon is robust under changes of the atomic element (neon, argon, krypton, xenon), the number of atoms in the cluster (16 to 30 atoms have been studied) and the fluency of the laser pulse. In contrast to molecules it does not dissappear for circular polarization. We develop an analytical model relating the pulse length for maximum ionization to characteristic parameters of the cluster

Dynamical ionization ignition of clusters in intense and short laser pulses

The electron dynamics of rare gas clusters in laser fields is investigated quantum mechanically by means of time-dependent density functional theory. The mechanism of early inner and outer ionization is revealed. The formation of an electron wave packet inside the cluster shortly after the first removal of a small amount of electron density is observed. By collisions with the cluster boundary the wave packet oscillation is driven into resonance with the laser field, hence leading to higher absorption of laser energy. Inner ionization is increased because the electric field of the bouncing electron wave packet adds up constructively to the laser field. The fastest electrons in the wave packet escape from the cluster as a whole so that outer ionization is increased as well.Comment: 8 pages, revtex4, PDF-file with high resolution figures is available from http://mitarbeiter.mbi-berlin.de/bauer/publist.html, publication no. 24. Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Has the Euro changed business cycle synchronization? Evidence from the core and the periphery

Using a Bayesian dynamic factor model, I examine the comovement of output, investmentand consumption growth among Euro area countries before and after the introduction of theEuro. For that purpose, I compare a pre-Euro period (19911998) to a Euro period(20002010) and identify a common Euro factor for each period separately. I find thatthe comovement of main macroeconomic variables and the common factor increases forcore Eurozone countries from the first to the second period, while it decreases for mostperipheral economies. This can be interpreted as a rise in business cycle synchronizationfor the core and a respective decline for the periphery.Different to the implications made by the endogeneity argument of currency areas(Frankel and Rose, 1998), my evidence suggest that the introduction of the Euro hasfostered imbalances between core and peripheral Eurozone countries

Changing perspectives on the internationalization of R&D and innovation by multinational enterprises: a review of the literature

Internationalization of R&D and innovation by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) has undergone a gradual and comprehensive change in perspective over the past 50 years. From sporadic works in the late 1950s and in the 1960s, it became a systematically analysed topic in the 1970s, starting with pioneering reports and “foundation texts”. Our review unfolds the theoretical and empirical evolution of the literature from dyadic interpretations of centralization versus decentralization of R&D by MNEs to more comprehensive frameworks, wherein established MNEs from Advanced Economies still play a pivotal role, but new players and places also emerge in the global generation and diffusion of knowledge. Hence views of R&D internationalization increasingly rely on concepts, ideas and methods from IB and other related disciplines such as industrial organization, international economics and economic geography. Two main findings are highlighted. First, scholarly research pays an increasing attention to the network-like characteristics of international R&D activities. Second, different streams of literature have emphasized the role of location- specific factors in R&D internationalization. The increasing emphasis on these aspects has created new research opportunities in some key areas, including inter alia: cross-border knowledge sourcing strategies, changes in the geography of R&D and innovation, and the international fragmentation of production and R&D activities

Photoinduced electron transfer from tetraethoxyethene to C-60 and C-70 studied by laser flash photolysis

Ito O, Sasaki Y, Watanabe A, Hoffmann R, Siedschlag C, Mattay J. Photoinduced electron transfer from tetraethoxyethene to C-60 and C-70 studied by laser flash photolysis. JOURNAL OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY-PERKIN TRANSACTIONS 2. 1997;(5):1007-1012.The electron transfer from tetraethoxyethene (TEOE), which has high electron-donor ability, to photoexcited C-60 or C-70 in polar and less polar solvents has been investigated by 532 nm laser flash photolysis with observation of the transient absorption bands in the near-IR region, The transient absorption bands of the tripler states of fullerenes (C-T(60)* and C-T(70)*), which appeared immediately after nanosecond laser exposure, were effectively quenched by TEOE, With the decay of C-T(60)* and C-T(70)*, the absorption bands of C-60(.-) and C-70(.-) appeared at 1070 and 1380 nm, respectively, showing that the electron transfer takes place from TEOE to C-T(60)* or to C-T(70)*. Then, C-60(.-) and C-70(.-) disappear by back electron transfer to TEOE.+. The efficiencies and rates of the electron-transfer reactions vary with solvent polarity

Strong-field control of electron localisation during molecular dissociation

International audienceWe demonstrate how the waveform of light can be used to control a molecular dissociation by steering and localization of electrons. Experimental results have been obtained for the dissociative ionization of the homonuclear and heteronuclear Hydrogen derivates D2 and HD. Asymmetric ejection of the ionic fragments reveals that light-driven electronic motion prior to dissociation localizes the electron on one of the two ions in the diatomic molecular ions in a controlled way. Extension of these results to electron transfer in complex molecules suggests a new paradigm for controlling photochemistry