Photoionization of oriented molecules

A general expression for the angular distribution of photoelectrons with defined spin polarization ejected from oriented molecules is derived in the electric-dipole approximation in the limit of a weak radiation field. An analysis of its geometrical part permits to draw definite conclusions without calculating matrix elements. For linear molecules it is shown that in Hund's cases (a) and (b) photoelectrons may be polarized only parallel to the molecular axis, while in Hund's case (c) they may be polarized in any direction. Appearance of a circular dichroism for nonchiral oriented molecules of relatively low symmetry is predicted. Dependence of a circular dichroism in the angular distribution of photoelectrons on the symmetry of molecules is demonstrated. The results may serve as the framework for studying molecules oriented on surfaces, in liquid crystals, or by molecular beam techniques.