Term-dependent lifetime broadening in the 3p photoelectron spectra of atomic Fe and Co - art. no. 022705

The 3p photoelectron spectra of free Fe and Co atoms have been measured wit h the use of monochromatized synchrotron radiation and the atomic beam tech nique. These spectra reveal complex 3p(-1) multiplet structures, which are discussed based on the predictions of configuration-interaction calculation s. Both the strong 3p-3d exchange interaction and the term-dependent lifeti me broadening by super-Coster-Kronig decay determine the shape of the 3p ph otoelectron spectra. The 3p-3d interaction gives rise to an LS multiplet st ructure, which spans an energy range of about 20 eV, whereas the term-depen dent lifetime broadening causes the almost complete suppression of low-spin components.