Four-hole satellites in theL3VVAuger and the valence-band spectra from nickel

A satellite in the $L_3\mathrm{VV}$ Auger spectrum in Ni is identified experimentally and interpreted as an $L_3{M}_{45}^2-M_{45}^4$ transition, i.e., an $\mathrm{LMM}$ Auger transition in the presence of two spectator vacancies. Previously published valence-electron spectra, recorded close to the $3p$ resonance energy, are reconsidered and besides the well-known $d^8$ double-hole satellite they are shown to reveal $d^7$ and $d^6$ multiple-hole states.