Theoretical transition probabilities for inner shell excitations in rubidium near the K edge

Abstract

Abstract We were able to reproduce the near K edge photoabsorption spectrum of rubidium in the energy range 15,200–15,235 eV. This was done by calculating the transition probabilities for inner shell excitations to singly and doubly excited states. The calculations have been carried out using multi-configuration Dirac–Fock wave functions with the inclusion of the Breit interaction, quantum electrodynamics contributions and finite nuclear size corrections. The transition probabilities were then convoluted into Lorentzian line shapes. A rough estimate of the effect of photoionization was also taken into account. Good overall agreement was attained when the results of the calculation is compared with previous measurements of the K edge photoabsorption spectrum of rubidium.