The hadronic Auger effect and the Franck-Condon principle

Auger rates for some (unrealistically low) states of antiprotonic helium are estimated using the modern Born-Oppenheimer approximation and anti p probability currents on adiabatic potentials. Comparison with rates obtained using the golden rule suggests that, in a suitable gauge, Auger transitions can, in most instances, be thought of as occurring at a fairly well defined radial separation, in accord with the Franck-Condon principle. A possible implication for exotic atom formation is noted. (orig.)