The X-ray K emission spectrum of sodium and of fluorine in some alkali halides

Abstract

The integrated intensities of the K alpha emission satellite groups alpha alpha ₃ alpha ₄ and alpha ₅ alpha ₆ have been measured in secondary excitation for Na⁺ in NaF, NaCl and NaBr and of F^- in LiF, NaF and KF. The results are generally in agreement with calculations based on the assumption that the satellites are due to single-electron transitions for KL and KL² states of free ions. However, in LiF and KF the satellite intensities differ from the free ion values; this is attributed to the fact that in fluorides the F^- L_II,III electrons are valence electrons. The intensity and position of the Na⁺ K beta ₁ line have been determined for the various halides. The K beta ₁ line has been identified as a cross transition between the cation and anion. Its appearance is solely determined by the covalency in the crystal.