Auger electron and characteristic energy loss spectra of plutonium

The Auger electron and characteristic loss spectra of plutonium have been obtained for the first time using a four grid retarding potential analyzer. The surface of this reactive metal was prepared by scribing in situ in good vacuum with a titanium carbide blade. Oxygen and carbon impurities were still present after scribing. The origin of the Auger electron and loss peaks is suggested, and a correlation is made with the peaks observed for uranium dioxide by Ellis and Campbell.