Auger Electron Spectroscopy of Free Atoms: Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

When an atom is ionized in an inner shell by electron, ion or photon impact, the resulting hole state can be filled by means of X-ray emission or a nonradiative Auger process. In the latter case an outer-shell electron fills the hole and another outer-shell electron is ejected leaving the atom in a doubly ionized state. Auger electron spectra show a complicated fine structure because the spectra display the electronic structures of single vacancy and double vacancy states of an atom. The theoretical analysis of the spectra can result in a better understanding of the electronic structure of the periodic table elements. Theoretical profiles of Auger decays can be produced for comparison with experiments since the evaluation of energies and transition probabilities has been carried out.