K-shell excitation spectra of CO, N2 and O2

Electron energy loss spectra of CO, N2 and O2 have been recorded in the regions of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen K-shell excitation and ionisation. These results are compared to previous energy loss, photoabsorption and theoretical studies of the same spectral regions. Several inconsistencies in the published spectra are clarified in the present work. Comparisons with recent calculations of the K-shell continua of these molecules are presented. Vibrational structure in the K → π * transitions of CO (C 1s) and N2 (N 1s) has been resolved in high-resolution studies (< 0.1 eV FWHM) of these species.