Polarization of the characteristic X-radiation induced by channeled particle impact

Abstract

The polarization of characteristic X-rays emitted by atoms of a single crystal, when their inner shells are excited by fast protons (ions) moving under planar channeling conditions, is studied theoretically. A quantum mechanical treatment based on first order perturbation theory is suggested for calculating the production cross section and alignment of inner-atomic-shell vacancies induced by channeled particle impact. Calculations have shown that the vacancy alignment and polarization of the following X-radiation can differ considerably for the inner shell ionization by an ion moving in a planar channel and in a random direction. The degree of polarization of X-rays turns out to be sensitive to the shape of the average planar potential.