Solid-state-induced energy shift of projectile Auger electrons

We study the influence of a solid on the Auger electrons emitted by highly charged ions incident on the solid surface. It is shown that the Auger peak is shifted in energy due to the interactions of the electrons in the solid target. We analyze how this line shift can be used to distinguish between electron emission before and after the projectile enters the surface. We present specific results for the cases of broad and narrow Auger lines. The solid-state-induced shift of the projectile KLL Auger peak is calculated for ${\mathrm{N}}^{6+}$(10 keV)→Ni and ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{9+}$(90 keV)→Cu. Good agreement is obtained with the results of the corresponding experiments.