High-resolution electron spectroscopy following inner-shell ionization and excitation of laser-excited Na atoms by electron impact: the 2s2p6nl Auger states

We report on the first high-resolution (35-40 meV at 25 eV) and high-intensity electron spectra following L-shell ionization or excitation of laser-excited Na atoms by electron impact. The laser excitation was either 3s to 3p 3 2/ or 3s to 3p 3 2/ to 4d 5 2/. Many Auger/autoionization states which are not accessible from Na atoms in the ground state are observed for the first time. For example, the energies of Auger states 2s2p 6 nl 1,3 L, with nl=3p, 4p, 5p, 5d, 6d have been measured with high accuracy; they agree very well with theoretical values obtained by Zatsarinny (1993, 1994).