Subshell photoionization cross sections of the elements for AlKαradiation

Abstract

Relative subshell photoionization cross sections for the elements have been derived from published data on the relative strength of lines observed in a photoelectron spectrometer and the results converted to an absolute scale based on a value for the $\mathrm{Na}\mathrm{}\left(1s\right)\mathrm{}$ cross section. Values obtained have been found to be in substantial agreement with the predictions of a recent theoretical study for the stronger transitions in elements with $Z<\mathrm{}56\mathrm{}$. Final-state effects have been demonstrated to be particularly significant in the photoionization of the $3d$ and $4d$ subshells in the lanthanides and actinides. The data derived in the present study strongly suggest that electron attenuation in inorganic (nonmetallic) compounds follows a functional dependence on kinetic energy which does not vary by more than 15% from compound to compound.