The intensity of X-ray spectrum lines of heavy elements

Abstract

The intensities of X-ray spectral lines resulting from transitions between the K, L and M shells have been calculated using screened relativistic wave functions. The relativistic modifications are shown to decrease the Lβ3β4 doublet ratio but do not alter the Kα1α2 and Kβ1β3 ratios, in agreement with experiment. The calculated intensities of the forbidden lines arising from quadrupole transitions are in good agreement with experiment. Lines due to transitions arising from the magnetic dipole moment of the electron are found to be very weak, but the LI → K transition might just be observable for heavy elements.