Core–valence Auger spectra of LiAl Zintl intermetallic compound

The core–valence–valence Auger spectra were measured for a nearly stoichiometric polycrystalline LiAl intermetallic compound. These spectra were compared with the self‐convolution of the density‐of‐state curves obtained from theoretical band structure calculations. Major discrepancies between the experimental data and this simple one‐particle model prompt a more elaborate treatment to include many‐body and core‐hold relaxation effects. Significant accumulation of lithium was observed at the surface of the ‘‘as‐fractured’’ sample. Ion bombardment resulted in lithium removal from the damaged surface layer, as opposed to electron bombardment which caused surface segregation of lithium originating from the bulk.