Auger Transitions and Widths of X-Ray Energy Levels

Abstract

The width of an x-ray energy level depends to a large extent on the probabilities of Auger transitions from that level. Consequently, rapid variations in line width with atomic number are to be expected whenever sudden changes in Auger transition probabilities occur. Atomic number ranges wherein large variations might be expected have been studied. Part of the width variation of $L{\beta }_3$ for elements $73\le Z\le 92$ is attributed to the Auger transitions $M_{\mathrm{III}}\to M_{\mathrm{V}}{M}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$. The transitions $N_{\mathrm{II}}\to N_{\mathrm{III}}{O}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I},\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}}$, $N_{\mathrm{II}}\to N_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$, and $N_{\mathrm{III}}\to N_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}{N}_{\mathrm{I}\mathrm{V},\mathrm{V}}$ are shown to explain an intensity anomaly of $M\zeta$ for elements $38\le Z\le 58$. Several other irregular line width variations are correlated with changes in the probabilities of Auger transitions. The evidence supports the theory that Auger transitions are primarily responsible for anomalous changes in line width.