Two electron dynamics in photodetachment

We present the results of experimental studies of photon-negative ion interactions involving the dynamics of two electrons. Resonances associated with doubly excited states of Li^- and He^- have been observed using laser photodetachment spectroscopy. Total and partial photodetachment cross sections have been investigated. In the former case, the residual atoms are detected irrespective of their excitation state, while in the latter case only those atoms in specific states are detected. This was achieved by the use of a state selective detection scheme based on the resonant ionization of the residual atoms. In addition, in the case of Li^- photodetachment, the threshold behavior of the Li(2 ^2P)+e^-(ks) partial cross section has been used to accurately measure the electron affinity of Li.