L2L3V Coster-Kronig decay in nickel: The near-edge region

The probability of the L2L3V Coster-Kronig (CK) decay process in Ni following the: creation of a 2p(1/2) core hole has been measured by photoemission spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. The branching ratio between CK and L2VV Auger decay has been determined as a function of the photon energy in the proximity of the L-2 edge (870-890 eV). It is found to become independent upon the photon energy range already a few eV above threshold. The direct low-energy (about 7 eV) CK emission spectrum has also been observed. [S0163-1829(99)05415-6].