Relativistic Calculation of Atomic Transition Probabilities

Abstract

Most atomic inner-shell transitions are characterized by high transition energies and involve tightly bound electrons. The effects of relativity on these energetic transitions are, in general, more important than those due to electron-electron Coulomb correlation. Hence, independent-particle models are used in most of the atomic inner-shell transition calculations. In this chapter, we will review the theoretical calculations of atomic inner-shell transition probabilities from independent-particle models and explore some factors affecting the inner-shell transition rates, with special emphasis on the effects of relativity.