Non-local decay of highly charged aqueous inorganic ions produced by Auger decay

• High-Z atoms are more important for biological radiation damage by photons than their low abundance due to their higher photoionization cross-section. Using the inorganic Mg 2+ and Al3+ ions in water as model systems, we have studied decay processes following deep core-level ionization. Local Auger decay rapidly produces highly charged Mg 4+and Al5+ ions, the decay of which must involve non-local processes involving the surrounding water, such as electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD). Using electron spectroscopy we observe two distinct ETMD decay steps for Al, corresponding to decay from Al5+ to Al4+, and then from Al4+ to Al3+. The ETMD energetics is discussed using both a simple model and calculations. Contrary to expectations, we do not observe any ETMD for Mg, and possible reasons for this are discussed.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Atom- och molekylfysik och optik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics (hsv//eng)

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