Analysis of valence XPS and AES of C, N, O, and F-containing substances by DFT calculations using the model molecules

Abstract

Experimental valence X-ray photoelectron spectra (VXPS) and Auger electron spectra (AES) of (Li, C, N, O, F) elements of four solid substances [graphite, GaN, SiO2, LiF] are analyzed by density-functional theory calculations using the model molecules of the unit cell. For the calculations, we use deMon density functional theory (DFT) program to estimate VXPS, core-electron binding energies, and (Li, C, N, O, F)-KVV AES of the solid substances. In the AES simulations, we evaluate theoretical kinetic energies of the AES with our modified calculation method. The modified kinetic energies correspond to two final-state holes at the ground state and at the transition-state in DFT calculations, respectively. Experimental KVV AES of the (Li, C, N, O) atoms in the substances agree considerably well to simulation of AES obtained with the maximum kinetic energies of the atoms, while, the experimental F KVV AES of LiF is almost in accordance with the spectra from the transition-state kinetic energy calculations.