Origins of the satellite in the L₂M₄₅M₄₅ Auger spectrum of Cu: coincidence measurements

Recent questions concerning the origins of satellite structure in the L₂₃M₄₅M₄₅ Auger spectra of Cu have prompted us to remeasure the L₂M₄₅M₄₅ spectrum in coincidence with the 2p _{1 2} photoelectron. We conclude from this and from comparison of conventional data with data from a synchrotron that the L₂M₄₅M₄₅ satellite is due in part to the shake off process L₂M₄₅M₄₅M₄₅M₄₅ and part to the Coster-Kronig process L₁L₂M₄₅ producing a vacancy spectator for the L₂M₄₅M₄₅ process. this picture is in agreement with all the evidence and provides a satisfactory explanation in terms of our existing understanding.