Composition dependence of M$_{4,5}$N$_{4,5}$N$_{4,5}$ Auger Transition in AgPd alloys

We investigated Ag and Pd MNN Auger transitions in AgPdx alloys with low Pd concentrations using high-resolution x-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy. The Ag MNN Auger profile exhibits composition-dependent kinetic energy shifts and also broadening. The Auger kinetic energy shift varies as the square root of the Pd concentration in the alloy, and the highest value of the shift observed for AgPd is about 0.27 eV. The fine structure observed in the Ag MNN Auger transition is independent of composition, but the Pd MNN Auger transition exhibits dramatic changes in intensities of fine features. The Ag MNN Auger transition exhibits a predominantly atomic character, whereas the Pd MNN Auger profile changes from quasi-atomic to band behavior with an increase in Pd concentration.