A theoretical interpretation of the X-ray emission spectra of covalent compounds

Abstract

The fine structure of K X-ray emission lines of covalent compounds and/or covalent bonded groups is explained by a splitting up of degenerate molecular orbitals involved in the electron transitions. This splitting up is ascribed to a decrease in symmetry caused by the excitation process and affects symmetries higher than C_2v. An alternative interpretation is offered for high energy structures, generally identified as Wentzel-Druyvesteyn satellites, by taking into consideration also X-ray emission of excited states of the emitting species.