Theory of the dissociative photoionisation of H2

An accurate quantum mechanical theory of the hv+H2→H+H++e- three-body break-up is presented. The theory is based on a continuum coupled-channels expansion. Excellent agreement with 26.9 eV photon experiments regarding the proton kinetic energy distribution has been obtained. The calculations show that the direct process gives rise to the slow kinetic energy peak and the resonant process to the fast kinetic energy component. Interference between the direct and resonant processes enhances the latter. (author)