Triple photodetachment from the Cl^{−} ion

We have measured the cross section for the detachment of three electrons from the Cl- ion following the absorption of a single photon. The triple-photodetachment cross section is compared to our earlier measurement of the cross section for double photodetachment from the same ion. Possible direct and indirect mechanisms responsible for multiple-electron detachment are discussed. The direct process of ejection of three valence electrons seems to be the most likely process. This conjecture needs theoretical verification.