Figure 1.

Sequential ionization steps of the Mn²⁺ ion exposed to an intense X-ray pulse. Highlighted in yellow are the recorded emission processes. A) X-ray absorption creating a hole in the 1s orbital, B) possible electronic states obtained on different time scales: I) no decay, II) 1s hole is filled, and III) 2s and 2p holes are filled, C) a second 1s hole is create and D) subsequent decay (only Kβ shown) in the presence of various electronic configurations shown in Part B which alter spectral positions. Note that Auger processes can create a variety of different states in II and III that are not shown.”