KL 2,3 ionization in neon by electron impact in the range 1.5–50 keV: cross sections and alignment

We have measured the ratio of cross sections σ(KL _2,3)/σ(K) for neon for electron impact in the energy range ofE ₀=1.5 ... 50 keV via the intensity ofKL _2,3?LLL _2,3 Auger satellite lines relative to the intensity ofKL ₁ L _2,3 (³ P) diagram line. The experimental ratio decreases over the full range of energyE ₀ which is contrary to an earlier result by Carlson et al. We have also measured the alignment ofKL _2,3 ¹ P and³ P states via the angular distribution of Auger satellite intensity for the energy rangeE ₀=1.5 ... 4 keV, within experimental error we have found a zero alignment. The totalK Auger spectrum, measured forE ₀=40 keV and at the magic angle of emission ?=54.7°, has been decomposed into its components by using appropriate line shapes distorted by postcollision interaction. Finally, we discussed whether the lines observed at the high-energy side ofKL _2,3?LLL _2,3 Auger satellite lines can be interpreted as structures caused by an angular momentum exchange in the postcollision interaction predicted by Niehaus and Zwakhals.