Investigation of the L₃-M₄₅M₄₅ Auger spectra of Cu, Cu₂O and CuO

Abstract

The authors report a comparative study of the L₃-M₄₅M₄₅ Auger spectra of Cu, Cu₂O and CuO. The large intensity of the uncorrelated two-hole band-like spectrum in the L₃-M₄₅M₄₅ Auger spectra of Cu₂O and CuO and the spectral shapes for these transitions indicate strong Cu 3d-O 2p hybridization in the oxides. The L₂-L₃M₄₅ CK rates obtained for these compounds indicate the stability of the Cu 3d level with increasing oxidation state of Cu. They also provide a quantitative estimate of the contributions of the different processes that lead to the formation of the L₃-M₄₅M₄₅ Auger satellite in Cu, Cu₂O and CuO.