K-shell energy loss spectra of 2.5 keV electrons in N2 and CO

Abstract

Energy loss spectra of 2.5 keV electrons, scattered by N2 and CO through small angles, have been studied in the regions around the nitrogen, carbon and oxygen K-edges. In all cases the spectrum is dominated by one very intense discrete K-excitation, while above the K-edge extensive structure is found arising from simultaneous transitions of K-shell and valence electrons. The nitrogen and carbon K-spectra are shown to be consistent with a “nitric oxide core” description of the K-excited molecule. The energy spacings in the oxygen K-spectrum are consistent with known relative energies of the carbon monofluoride radical.