X-Ray Synchrotron White Beam Excitation of Auger Electrons

Authors

S. M. Durbin, Cornell University
L. E. Berman, Cornell University
B. W. Batterman, Cornell University
J. M. Blakely, Cornell University

Abstract

Auger electron spectra have been measured at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), using the full white beam x-ray spectrum as the excitation source. Ordinary Auger spectra obtained in the laboratory with an electron beam source must employ derivative techniques to distinguish the Auger structures from the large background due to the excitation beam. The synchrotron white beam eliminates this source of background and produces signal rates as high as 10⁷ cps. Superior signal-to-background ratios are found for Auger peaks above a few hundred eV, and count rates are large enough to suggest microprobe applications. X-ray induced Auger satellite peaks were observed with intensities much greater than the electron-induced counterpart; this anomaly is not completely understood.

Recommended Citation

Durbin, S. M.; Berman, L. E.; Batterman, B. W.; and Blakely, J. M. (1985) "X-Ray Synchrotron White Beam Excitation of Auger Electrons," Scanning Electron Microscopy: Vol. 1985: No. 3, Article 19.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/electron/vol1985/iss3/19