Mα and Mβ X-ray emission spectra of Au atoms upon photoionization of L subshells

Abstract

The structure and relative intensity of the Mα and Mβ X-ray fluorescence spectra of Au atoms are studied experimentally at the energies of absorbed photons both below and above the ionization thresholds of L subshells (Kα1, 2 radiation of Cr, Cu, and Mo). The M5N and M4N high-energy satellites are separated from the total spectral profiles and their relative intensities are determined. A model of the M emission is proposed that allows one to take into account the main channels of vacancy transfer from L to M subshells, which are responsible for the generation of double vacancy (M4, 5N and M4, 5O) and triple vacancy (M4, 5N2, M4, 5NO, and M4, 5O2) states. Comparison of the experimental relative intensities of separated M5N and M4N satellites excited by the Mo Kα1, 2 radiation with the calculated results indicates the correctness of the model used. The partial and total M emission cross sections of Au in the absorbed photon energy range of 5–30 keV are calculated. It is found that, in the photon energy region above the ionization threshold of the L3 subshell, our results noticeably differ from the data calculated by other authors. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.