Deconvolution of Auger electron spectra of hyperthermal highly charged ions at metal surfaces

Abstract Using a Monte Carlo simulation of electron scattering near the jellium edge of metals, we investigate the spectra of energy loss of Auger electrons emitted in regions around the jellium edge. A deconvolution procedure allows to remove this background from the experimental Auger spectra, in order to restore them without energy losses. This procedure is applied to Auger spectra from H-like and metastable He-like highly charged ions and from Ar 9+ and metastable Ar 8+ impinging with very low energy on metal surfaces. The deconvoluted spectra unveal for the first time inter-atomic Auger transitions between the highly charged ions and target atoms.