The 2p photoionization of free Cr atoms has been studied. Unpolarized as we
ll as laser-aligned Cr atoms have been ionized with linearly polarized undu
lator radiation well above the 2p ionization thresholds. The investigation
of the main and satellite 2p photoelectron lines and of the linear alignmen
t dichroism allowed for a detailed characterization of the Cr 2p photoioniz
ation process. The spectra are compared to the predictions of the pure jK c
oupling model and to the results of intermediate coupling Hartree-Fock calc
ulations. The importance of the investigations for the discussion of the 2p
photoelectron spectra of bound 3d transition-metal atoms is pointed out.