On directly measuring relative Fermi energies of noble metals and their alloys

We present the first evidence of direct measurement of relative Fermi energies in alloys and between pure metals. From applying the “atomic” concept of core hole final state screening, the Auger energy shift of noble metal A equals E_F^A?E_F(x). High resolution Auger shifts in P_1?x^tCu_x,Au_xCu_1?x and Au_xAg_1?x demonstrate experimental verification of this simple relation. We find E_F^CuE_F^Au ? ? 0.2 eV, and E_F^Pt ? E_F^Cu and E_F^Ag ? E_F^Au.