Fine structure of unoccupied Ag d states near the Fermi level in Ag and AgPd studied by high-resolution partial Auger yield spectroscopy at the Ag L3 edge -: art. no. 035122

The Ag L-3-edge x-ray-absorption fine structure of Ag metal and AgPd alloy was measured using the Ag L3M4,5M4,5 ((1)G(4)) Auger electron yield. The core-hole lifetime broadening of the spectra could be reduced due to high-energy resolution in the present experimental technique, allowing for the study of the fine details of partial density of states in the conduction band of the samples. The fine structure of the partial density of states around the Fermi level was also studied in a theoretical analysis using a full multiple-scattering technique. The calculated absorption structure is in good agreement with the experimental data. The combined results indicate a reduction of the density of Ag d and s states at and several eV above the Fermi level upon the AgPd alloy formation compared to the pure Ag metal.