TargetZDependence of ProjectileKαX-Ray Production Cross Sections in High-Energy, Heavy-Ion-Atom Collisions

Abstract

The cross sections of projectile $K\alpha$ x radiation have been measured from energetic collisions of Ni and Br ions with targets throughout the periodic table. A strong enhancement in cross section is found when the binding energy of the $K$ or $L$ shell of the projectile matches approximately the $K$- or $L$-shell binding energy of the target atom. The data show that even at 1.6 MeV/nucleon, Coulomb excitation processes do not overwhelm molecular-orbital effects.