Noble-metal dark-edge fermiology: Centrifugal barriers, core-hole memory, and the Zeeman Auger effect

Gold and platinum both have the face-centered cubic crystal structure and are considered noble metals, yet they differ by one in atomic number. Near-edge M-4,M-5 x-ray absorption and resonant M4,5N6,7N6,7 Auger spectra reveal dark edges and a photon-energy dependence of Auger electron (4 f (12) final-state) energy distributions. These findings are a direct consequence of the delayed onset of d -> f transitions and space quantization of the 3d core hole prepared by photoexcitation that is predominantly d -> p vs d -> f near the edge, in agreement with theoretical predictions. This study showcases the centrifugal barrier for f-wave electrons and spectral evolution arising from the existence of multiple intermediate-state channels and final states for both photoexcitation and Auger decay.

Automated summary

The study reveals differences in crystal structure and photoelectron characteristics between gold and platinum, attributed to their differing atomic numbers.