α- Excited Auger Spectra

The possibility of obtaining Auger spectra excited by a Po 210 α-source has been investigated. The obvious advantages in the use of radioactive α-sources are simplicity, stability, and high ionization cross section for light elements. Typical spectra obtained with this method, as well as parameters affecting the characteristics of these spectra, are presented and discussed The following observations have been made: the intense low energy continuum background make it difficult to detect the presence of Auger lines in this region; the abundance of Auger lines in the above region makes identification difficult; the intensity of higher energy Auger lines is too low to be observed with the present α-source and low vacuum system; thus the practicability of α-excited Auger spectroscopy will need further investigation.