3s- and 3p-core level excitations in 3d-transition metal oxides from electron-energy-loss spectroscopy

3s- and 3p-core level excitations for a large number of 3d-transition metal oxides, with a formal 3d occupation from 3d⁰ to 3d¹⁰, have been measured by electron energy loss spectroscopy in reflection geometry (REELS) with primary energies 200 eV≤E ₀≤1600 eV. Their intensities decrease systematically with the formal 3d-count, classifying them as transitions to empty 3d-states. The structure of the 3s excitations is analysed in detail and is compared to the 3s-XPS photoemission spectra of the samples. This 3s-REELS structure and its change with the 3d occupation can be explained by the assumption that the excitation arises mainly from a 3s²3dⁿ→3s¹3dⁿ⁺¹ quadrupole transition.