Propensity rules for large dynamic spin polarization in resonant Auger transitions

Abstract

Simple propensity rules are derived which, for the first time, allow predictions for a large dynamic spin polarization of Auger electron(s) emitted in resonantly excited Auger transitions. Our predictions are in accordance with multiconfigurational Dirac-Fock calculation(s) for the resonant Xe*(6p3/2)N5O2,3O2,3 and Ar*(4s1/2)L3M2,3M2,3 Auger multiplets. It is demonstrated that the effect of a large spin polarization is caused by a large shift of the scattering phase of the emitted s1/2 partial waves, whereas a small spin polarization is due to a cancellation between the Coulomb and scattering phases of the partial waves. Our results are in accordance to recent experiments for the resonant Xe*(6p3/2)N5O2,3O2,3 Auger spectrum. Auger transitions are given for which a large dynamic spin polarization is predicted.