Localized Auger States in Polyethylene

Abstract

The final states of a core-valence-valence Auger decay involve two valence level holes which may remain localized on one atomic site or functional group or move as independent particles through the system. The x-ray excited Auger spectrum of polyethylene indicates the existence of both localized and independent particle-like Auger final states. A comparison of the polyethylene Auger spectrum to those of the gas phase normal alkanes shows that certain spectral features have a final state binding energy which is independent of chain length, indicating the presence of localized states. A broadening of the alkane spectra with increasing chain length indicates, however, that some final states exhibit independent particle behavior. The width of the polyethylene Auger spectrum is significantly wider than the self-fold of the valence band density of states, demonstrating the partial breakdown of the independent particle model and providing additional evidence for the existence of localized states in polyethylene.