Relativistic Theory of the Photoelectric Effect. Part I. Theory of theK-Absorption of X-rays. Part II. Photoelectric Absorption of Ultragamma Radiation

Abstract

Part I: A strict theory of the absorption of x-rays is developed on the basis of relativistic quantum electrodynamics. The theory is applied to the absorption of x-rays by a Dirac electron in the field of a nucleus. Corrections to the non-relativistic theory are appreciable only for heavy elements, where the present calculations give a $K$-discontinuity twenty percent smaller than the earlier ones. The agreement with experiment is not improved.