Ionization of an atom $X$ in an endohedral fullerene complex $X@{\mathrm{C}}_n$ can lead to a wealth of nonradiative decay processes. These interatomic processes occur due to the correlation existing between the atomic and the fullerene electrons and do not take place in the free species $X$. Considering $\mathrm{Ne}@{\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ as an example, we calculate the rates of the interatomic decay processes and show that the interatomic decay in $\mathrm{Ne}@{\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ is ultrafast. Moreover, our analysis suggests that interatomic decay in an endohedral fullerene does not necessarily lead to the destruction of the complex.

• Received 20 September 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.053401