Corelike nature of the PdMVVshift in Pd-based alloys

We present arguments based on the formal similarity of the Cini and Koster-Slater models to show that, in alloys, iVV Auger spectra that are significantly distorted from the quasiatomic form may present kinetic-energy shifts that do not correspond to the quasiatomic situation, even when the origin of the terms of the line shape is quasiatomic. By comparing measured shifts of the Pd ${\mathit{M}}_5$VV and ${\mathit{L}}_3$ ${\mathit{M}}_{4,5}$ ${\mathit{M}}_{4,5}$ true core-level spectrum in Pd-Cu alloys, we verify this conclusion in this case. The corresponding experimental shifts of Ag in Pd-Ag alloys are, however, closely related, as expected from the quasiatomic nature of the Ag MVV spectrum. In alloy studies, therefore, true core-level Auger kinetic-energy shifts should be employed.