Non-exponential Auger decay

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical possibility of non-exponential Auger decay in atoms under X-ray irradiation, highlighting a mechanism involving electron energy spectrum cutoffs that leads to power-law decay behavior over long times.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism for non-exponential Auger decay based on energy spectrum cutoffs, expanding understanding of atomic decay processes under X-ray exposure.

Findings

Non-exponential decay can occur at times longer than the system's lifetime.

Decay amplitude follows a power-law dependence at long times.

Mechanism involves electron energy spectrum cutoffs at small energies.

Abstract

We discuss the possibility of non-exponential Auger decay of atoms irradiated by X-ray photons. This effect can occur at times, which are greater than the lifetime of a system under consideration. The mechanism for non-exponential depletion of an initial quasi-stationary state is the cutting of the electron energy spectrum of final continuous states at small energies. Then the Auger decay amplitude obeys power-law dependence on long observation times.