Lι, Lα1,2, Lη, Lβ1,2,3,4,5,6 and Lγ1,2,3 spectra of x‐ray tubes

Abstract

AbstractInvestigations of L spectra of Mo, Rh, Ag, Sn, Gd, Er, W, Au and Bi were performed with an electron probe microanalyzer with acceleration voltages from 10 to 30 kV and typical values of the angles with respect to the plane target surface of 90° for electron incidence and 35° for x‐ray take‐off. A systematic analysis of measured intensities of 13 L lines and a comparison with literature data on relative intensities and transition probabilities led to a general description of L spectra. The production of characteristic spectra is described by Love and Scott's constant depth distribution of x‐ray excitation by electrons. The ionized levels L1, L2 and L3 corresponding to the characteristic radiation are characterized by proportionality factors Const‐L1, Const‐L2 and Const‐L3. Essential data are transition probabilities and fluorescence yields. Coster–Kronig transition probabilities are not necessary. The quality of the semi‐empirical description of L spectra is demonstrated by a comparison of measured and computed spectral responses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.