Double photoionization of helium from threshold to high energies

We present accurate calculations for the single and double photoionization of helium from the threshold to the high-energy limit. At low and intermediate energies, we use the {ital ab initio} hyperspherical close-coupling method, which is extended up to 1 keV by introducing an energy-dependent reaction region. At high energies we employ an {ital accurate} Hylleraas initial state and a 3C correlated final-state wave function. The 3C wave function is shown to be correct to leading order in Z/k. We find good agreement with recent experiments over the entire energy range. The two calculations merge at {approximately}1keV to within 5{percent}. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}