Curve fitting of Cr 2p photoelectron spectra of Cr ₂ O ₃ and CrF ₃

Chromium (III) 2p photoelectron spectra show strong satellites on the high‐binding‐energy side of the main photoelectron peaks. In the case of Cr 2p spectra, the satellite of the Cr 2p 3/2 peak strongly overlaps the Cr 2p 1/2 peak. As a result, a virtual three‐peak spectrum is obtained. In order to analyse the spectral features of the Cr 2p photoelectron peaks, we propose a fitting formalism for Cr(III) 2p spectra that is consistent with a relaxation model. This model allows for the possibility of two different final‐state screening conditions of the photoinduced core hole. Considering these two final states, Cr 2p spectra basically can be interpreted by a superposition of two 2p doublets. X‐ray contributions arising from the Kα 3,4 lines were also taken into account, as well as the existence of OH groups on the surface of Cr 2 O 3 samples. Additionally, a rather pragmatic approach for fitting the Cr L 3 M 23 V Auger spectral region was used to obtain further spectral parameters (e.g. α′) that do not depend on charging.