Characteristic features of Auger spectra from adatoms on metals

In this work we perform a full ab initio density-functional theory calculation, within the embedding method, of the Auger spectra of atomic impurities both inside a metal bulk and just inside the solid surface and chemisorbed on it. We consider a Na atom on and in a jellium-Ag host. In particular, the Auger spectra of the electronic transitions KL1V and KL2,3V (core-core-valence) are worked out. The calculated profiles display features which are different for the same atom adsorbed on a metal and inside the same bulk material. Such specific features could help identifying the contribution to the measured;Auger signal only due to adsorbates.