Interatomic and intermolecular decay processes in quantum fluid clusters

Abstract

Abstract In this comprehensive review, we explore interatomic and intermolecular correlated electronic decay phenomena observed in superfluid helium nanodroplets subjected to extreme ultraviolet radiation. Helium nanodroplets, known for their distinctive electronic and quantum fluid properties, provide an ideal environment for examining a variety of non-local electronic decay processes involving the transfer of energy, charge, or both between neighboring sites and resulting in ionization and the emission of low-kinetic energy electrons. Key processes include interatomic or intermolecular Coulombic decay and its variants, such as electron transfer-mediated decay. Insights gained from studying these light-matter interactions in helium nanodroplets enhance our understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation on other condensed-phase systems, including biological matter. We also emphasize the advanced experimental and computational techniques that make it possible to resolve electronic decay processes with high spectral and temporal precision. Utilizing ultrashort pulses from free-electron lasers, the temporal evolution of these processes can be followed, significantly advancing our comprehension of the dynamics within quantum fluid clusters and non-local electronic interactions in nanoscale systems.