New results on the dissociative photoionization of CF₄ and CCl₄

Using the VIPCO technique, we remeasured and completed the breakdown diagram Of CCl₄⁺ up to 21 eV energy. The angle-resolved data show both orientation and alignment of photoelectrons relative to CX₃+ fragments from photoionization to the low-lying states of CF₄+ and CCl₄+. The strength of the orientation (forward/backward asymmetry) is surprising in view of the nearly spherical symmetry of the parent molecules, and calls for theoretical explanation. It may indicate that nuclear and electron motion take place on similar time-scales.