Origin of Band-like and Atom-like Features of the Valence Band Auger Emission from Transition Metals

The occurrence of both band-like and atom-like Auger spectra involving valence band electron of d-transition metals is discussed based on the two-step model of the Auger electron emission, i.e. an initial core-hole is first generated and the Auger transition occurs between the core-hole and the valence states. The occupied valence states relax to screen the core-hole which results in a redistribution of the valence electrons. The electronic states concerned by the Auger transition are calculated by the FLAPW method. There is a clear relation between band-like and atom-like features of the spectra and the different responses of these metals to the existence of a core-hole.