Direct evidence for dynamic broadening of the energy spectra associated with the later steps of an Auger cascade.

Auger cascade decay processes are of critical importance in x-ray-induced biological damage, chemical reactions, and desorption. Here, we report the first measurements of the isolated energy spectra of electrons emitted during the later steps of an Auger cascade process in a solid (MnO). The large widths and energy gains observed in cascade-induced Mn MVV Auger spectra (as compared to the spectra resulting from direct photoexcitation of the M core hole) provide strong evidence that valence holes created in previous cascade steps participate dynamically in later cascade steps.