Auger spectroscopy of uranium

Abstract

Uranium metal and oxidised uranium metal surfaces have been examined by use of Auger electron spectroscopy. The methods used to obtain clean and oxide-free uranium metal surfaces are discussed together with the changes in the Auger spectra on oxidation. Chemical shifts in the uranium Auger peak positions resulting from changes in the electron energy levels in neutral uranium and uranium(IV) have been predicted by use of the electron binding energies determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.