Core-valence coupling in the Ru photoexcitation/Auger decay process: Auger-photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy study

The (Formula presented) Auger spectrum of Ru has been measured in coincidence with (Formula presented) and with (Formula presented) photoelectrons. Unlike other metals that exhibit bandlike Auger decays, we find that the two Auger spectra are not shifted by the difference in core level binding energies. A consistent description of these transitions and the core level line shape requires consideration of the relativistic multiplet splitting in the intermediate core hole state and two-valence-hole Auger final state. The results suggest that the large linewidth of the (Formula presented) levels is primarily due to multiplet splitting, and that an (Formula presented) super-Coster-Kronig transition is only a minor decay channel.