Angular dependence of auger electron emission from Cu (111) and (100) surfaces

Experimental angular emission profiles of the M_2,3M_4,5M_4,562 eV Cu Auger electrons from clean copper (100) and (111) surfaces in several azimuths are presented. A simple single scattering theory to account for elastic scattering of the Auger electrons by other ion cores in the solid is presented, and calculations have been performed to assess the importance of this process in contributing to the observed angular dependence. These calculations produce angular structure having a similar magnitude and temperature dependence to that observed experimentally, and some featural similarity in peak positions or shapes. It appears that elastic scattering is an important source of angular dependence, and that studies of adsorbed species on surfaces should provide a very sensitive method of surface structure determination.