• Featured in Physics

Photoemission of Cooper Pairs from Aromatic Hydrocarbons

R. Wehlitz, P. N. Juranić, K. Collins, B. Reilly, E. Makoutz, T. Hartman, N. Appathurai, and S. B. Whitfield
Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 193001 – Published 5 November 2012
Physics logo See Synopsis: Carbon Rings Allow Brief Electron Hook Ups

Abstract

We report the discovery of the formation of an electron Cooper pair approximately 40 eV above the double-ionization threshold in benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and coronene after absorption of a single photon. We have measured the ratios of doubly to singly charged parent ions of the above mentioned molecules as well as pyrrole and furan by using monochromatized synchrotron radiation up to 100 eV above the corresponding thresholds. We also recorded photoelectron spectra of benzene and naphthalene at selected energies. The electron-pair formation is based on the specific structure of the molecules and does not exist for pyrrole and furan.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 15 May 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.193001

© 2012 American Physical Society

Synopsis

Key Image

Carbon Rings Allow Brief Electron Hook Ups

Published 5 November 2012

Ionization experiments with benzene and similar organic molecules show evidence for short-lived electronic couplings, which resemble the Cooper pairs that carry current in superconductors.

See more in Physics

Authors & Affiliations

R. Wehlitz1,*, P. N. Juranić1,†, K. Collins2, B. Reilly3, E. Makoutz4, T. Hartman1, N. Appathurai1, and S. B. Whitfield5

  • 1Synchrotron Radiation Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589, USA
  • 2College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
  • 3Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
  • 4Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA
  • 5Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, USA

  • *rwehlitz@src.wisc.edu
  • Present address: Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 109, Iss. 19 — 9 November 2012

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×