Interpretation of theLX-Ray Emission Spectrum of Zr

Abstract

The Zr $L$ x-ray emission spectrum, obtained by means of photoelectron spectrometry, is interpreted in terms of the initial distribution of single and multiple vacancies, and radiative, Auger, and Coster-Kronig processes. The model calculation reproduces satisfactorily the salient features, such as relative intensities of satellites and emission branches from $L_1$, $L_2$, and $L_3$ subshells. Subshell-vacancy distribution produced by 9-keV electrons is found to be $L_1:L_2:L_3\approx 0.9:1:2$. Satellites are categorized according to calculated energy differences between diagram and satellite lines, and one class of satellites is found to coincide with diagram lines. Theoretical total rates of Auger transitions are corroborated by measured linewidths, but rates of Coster-Kronig transitions are too high by a factor of about 2. Finally, x-ray transition rates of the $K$ and $L$ series of Zr are calculated in a central-potential model using relativistic Hartree-Slater wave functions. Values agree excellently with Scofield's values. Theoretical and experimental branching ratios of x rays from $L_1$, $L_2$, and $L_3$ subshells are in satisfactory accord.