Double ionization satellites in X-ray excited L Auger spectra of solid Mg

The double ionization satellite of the MgL2.3 to VV Auger band from solid Mg has been observed to be one third as intense as the main band when Al K alpha radiation is used for excitation. Arguments are presented to show that ionizations in the Mg K shell are responsible for this very high ratio. The arguments are supported by results obtained using Mg K alpha radiation with which no Mg K shell ionization is possible and the satellite is found to be much weaker. Simple calculations may be used to give qualitative estimates of these effects.