Relativistic theoretical description for spin-resolved $\mathrm{CVV}$ Auger electron spectroscopy with application to Pd and Fe

A theoretical description of spin-resolved $\mathrm{CVV}$ (core-valence-valence) Auger electron spectroscopy is presented. The approach is derived on the basis of a fully relativistic description of the electronic structure of magnetic materials. As a consequence, spontaneous exchange splitting as well as spin-orbit coupling—two possible and important sources for a spin-polarization of Auger electrons—are accounted for on the same level. This is demonstrated by application to paramagnetic fcc Pd and ferromagnetic bcc Fe. In both cases spin-resolved $\mathrm{CVV}$ Auger electron spectra are presented and discussed emphasizing the role of the spin-orbit coupling. Comparison is made with available experimental data as far as possible.