Applications and Examples

Abstract

In order to illustrate the applicability of the theoretical and numerical methods discussed in the previous chapters, we will now discuss a selected number of investigations of Auger transitions from free atoms. It is our aim, where possible, to compare our data with other theoretical results and with experimental data. Most data are available for the rare gases. This is, on the one hand, since rare gases are comparatively easy to handle in an experiment. On the other hand, their closed shell structure, i.e. J=0, shows some numerical advantages. Thus, the discussion in this chapter will mainly consider our numerical results for Ar, Kr and Xe. Auger transitions on Ne have not been investigated since the ionization of its inner shell 1s hole does allow for neither orientation nor alignment, and thus, its KLL Auger spectrum is isotropic and no spin polarization for the Auger electrons can be observed. We did a few calculations on Rn (Lohmann 1988), since as the heavy most rare gas, it would be best to investigate relativistic effects. However, physicists are not keen on doing experiments with radon due to its radioactivity.