Multiple Auger Decay Following Xe⁺ (4$p_{3/2}^{-1}$) Ionization

The Auger decay for the many-electron Xe⁺ (4$p_{3/2}^{-1}$) state is studied in detail, using multistep approaches. It is found that the single Auger decay channels are primarily Coster–Kronig processes, which is in accord with other theoretical and experimental results. The double and triple Auger decays result primarily from cascade processes, i.e., the sequential two-step and three-step Auger decay, and as such, the contributions from direct processes can be neglected. Level-to-level rates for single, double, and triple decays are obtained, based on which comprehensive Auger electron spectra and ion yields are obtained. Our decay paths and Auger electron spectra are in agreement with the experimental analysis [Hikosaka et al., Phys. Rev. A 76 (2007) 032708], and our ion yield ratios (Xe²⁺: Xe³⁺: Xe⁴⁺ = 4.6 : 87.0 : 8.4) are also in line with their values (5.0 : 86.0 : 9.0). However, with respect to the ion yield ratios, a discrepancy still remains among the experimental and theoretical results. Taking into account the complexity of Xe's electronic structure, further, more detailed experiments are still required. (paper)