The L 1-L 2,3 M 4,5 Coster-Kronig transitions

Abstract

The intermediate coupling theory has been applied to the L 1-L 2,3 M 4,5 Coster-Kronig transitions, using the transition amplitudes computed by Callan for all elements from Z = 29 to Z = 50 and for seven additional atomic numbers in the range from Z = 76 to Z = 90. The calculations have been made assuming intermediate coupling between the two final vacancies in the atom, and LS coupling between the initial vacancy in the atom and the hole in the continuum representing the missing Auger electron. The transitions are seen to exhibit a fine-structure spectrum, with line strengths varying markedly with Z. For elements for which all transitions to all the possible final states of the doubly ionized atom are energetically possible we have obtained practically the same sum for the rates as that calculated by Callan's method. However, for elements for which some transitions become energetically impossible, the intermediate coupling theory causes a reduction of the total sum calculated on the basis of extreme jj coupling up to about 15%. An ambiguity that arises as to the energetically impossible transitions for Z = 41 is also discussed.