The Probability ofKLIonization and X-Ray Satellites

Abstract

A theory of the multiple ionizations produced by a fast cathode electron in the target of an x-ray tube is developed, based on the Born approximation of collision theory. The effective cross section for $1s2s$ ionization of potassium by an incident electron having five times the energy required for $K$-ionization or $1s$-ionization of potassium, and the distribution of energy and of angular momentum among the three electrons after collision is shown in detail. The probability of $1s2p$ ionization is also estimated roughly by the same method, and the two taken together are shown to be roughly in agreement with the experimental value of the integrated satellite intensity for $K\alpha$ of potassium. The predicted variation of the relative intensity with atomic number is also shown to be in rough agreement with experiment.