Interference of O Kα ghost features in X-ray-excited Auger spectra

We have noted the interference of O Kα ghost peaks in spectra obtained using unmonochromatized X-ray sources, particularly in C(KVV) and O(KVV) X-ray-excited Auger spectra. The source of the undesirable O Kα photons is a surface oxide on the Mg or Al anode of the polychromatic X-ray sources used. A calculation of the oxide thickness required to give the observed ghost intensity in measurements on a gold sample using a heavily oxidized Mg anode is given and the estimated oxide thickness found plausible. Since it may be impossible to operate the anode with no oxide present, the use of a standard Au sample is suggested as an excellent test for the presence of O Kα X-radiation from unmonochromatized X-ray sources.