Auger electronic transitions

AES Auger electron spectroscopy After the ejection of an electron by absorption of a photon, an atom stays behind as an unstable Ion, which relaxes by filling the hole with an electron from a higher shell. The energy released by this transition Is taken up by another electron, the Auger electron, which leaves the sample with an element-specific kinetic energy. Surface composition, depth profiles... 

Figure Bl.25.6. Energy spectrum of electrons coming off a surface irradiated with a primary electron beam. Electrons have lost energy to vibrations and electronic transitions (loss electrons), to collective excitations of the electron sea (plasmons) and to all kinds of inelastic process (secondary electrons). The element-specific Auger electrons appear as small peaks on an intense background and are more visible in a derivative spectrum.

We have undertaken a series of experiments Involving thin film models of such powdered transition metal catalysts (13,14). In this paper we present a brief review of the results we have obtained to date Involving platinum and rhodium deposited on thin films of tltanla, the latter prepared by oxidation of a tltanliua single crystal. These systems are prepared and characterized under well-controlled conditions. We have used thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and static secondary Ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS). Our results Illustrate the power of SSIMS In understanding the processes that take place during thermal treatment of these thin films. Thermal desorption spectroscopy Is used to characterize the adsorption and desorption of small molecules, In particular, carbon monoxide. AES confirms the SSIMS results and was used to verify the surface cleanliness of the films as they were prepared. 

So far, we have discussed only the detection of y-rays transmitted through the Mossbauer absorber. However, the Mossbauer effect can also be established by recording scattered radiation that is emitted by the absorber nuclei upon de-excitation after resonant y-absorption. The decay of the excited nuclear state proceeds for Fe predominantly by internal conversion and emission of a conversion electron from the K-shell ( 90%). This event is followed by the emission of an additional (mostly Ka) X-ray or an Auger electron when the vacancy in the K shell is filled again. Alternatively, the direct transition of the resonantly excited nucleus causes re-emission of a y-photon (14.4 keV). 

Hooker, M. P., and Grant, J. T. 1977. The use of Auger electron spectroscopy to characterize the adsorption of carbon monoxide transition metals. Surf. Sci. 62 21-30. 

The notation of Auger transitions uses the X-ray level nomenclature of Table 3.1. For example, KL L2 stands for a transition in which the initial core hole in the K-shell is filled from the L -shell, while the Auger electron is emitted from the L2-shell. Valence levels are indicated by V as in the carbon KVV transition. 

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