Characterization and control of the fiber-matrix interface in ceramic ...

APPENDIX A. AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
The Auger electron spectroscopy techniques for chemical analysis of
surfaces is based on the Auger radiationless process. A core-level
electron is ionized by an impinging electron, and the atom can decay to a
lower-energy state through electronic rearrangement. The ejected
electron, or Auger electron, will possess a kinetic energy that is
proportional to the difference in energy states, and this energy is
characteristic of the parent atom. The Auger electrons can then be
captured and analyzed to determine surface compositions by analysis of
the peaks in the Auger spectrum. Table A-1 lists the spectral peaks for
elements pertinent to the examined composites as listed in "Handbook of
Auger Electron Spectroscopy," L. E. Davis et al., Physical Electronics
Division, Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
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