Measurement of the ratio of double-to-single photoionization of helium at 2.8 keV using synchrotron radiation

We report the first measurement of the ratio of double-to-single photoionization of helium well above the double-ionization threshold. Using a time-of-flight technique, we find He⁺⁺/He⁺=1.6±{}0.3% at h{ν}=2.8 keV. This value lies between calculations by Amusia (2.3%) and by Samson, who predicts 1.2% by analogy with electron-impact ionization cross sections of singly charged ions. Good agreement is obtained with older shake calculations of Byron and Joachain, and of {}berg, who predict 1.7%.