Angular correlation patterns in double Auger decay

The angular distribution of two emitted electrons in the double Auger process in atoms has been theoretically investigated. In particular, the double Auger decay of a 1s vacancy in Ne and a 2p vacancy in Ar is considered. In analogy with double photoionization, we present a convenient parametrization of the angular correlation patterns for all possible angular momenta of the emitted electron pair. As a limiting case we investigate the angular correlations within the shake-off mechanism of the double Auger process. We also consider the influence of initial orientation of the vacancy on the electron angular distributions (circular dichroism)