Electron spectra of HCl at core to Rydberg resonances

Electron spectra of 2p to Rydberg excited states of HCl have been measured. The dominating decay channel of these Rydberg resonances is confirmed to be the molecular resonance Auger process. The electron spectrum recorded at the first Rydberg resonance ( 2 p 3/2 to , 4s sigma ) is analysed in some detail. In addition to the non-shake spectator resonance Auger decay, also 4s sigma to 5s sigma shake-up processes are suggested to play a minor role in the decay. The share of shake processes probably increases at higher resonances. Results are compared with those of photoion experiments.