Electronic Polaron Excitations in the X-Ray Absorption Spectrum of TiO 2

A pronounced satellite structure in the 2 p absorption spectrum of TiO 2 is reported, which is attributed to final states in which the local excitation on the metal is screened by polarization of the valence electrons on the ligands. By comparing the X-ray absorption spectrum with the photoemission spectrum we can determine the influence of the excited electron on the screening of the core hole potential.