Photoionization of atomic silver between 17 and 41 eV

Photoelectron spectra of free silver atoms were measured at six energies of the He and Ne discharge lamps. Spectra were obtained at 90 ° and 54.7 ° in relation to the photon beam. The four D term levels were resolved and their branching ratio was found to be nearly statistical and to vary slowly with energy. Spectra indicate the presence of an autoionization resonance near 16.8 eV. The partial photoionization cross section of the 5s level is about 5% of that of the 4d level. The atomic 4d cross section rises slowly above threshold in qualitative agreement with the trend of the atomic potential, and it displays an energy dependence similar to that reported for metallic silver.