Updated database, semi-empirical and theoretical calculation of Kβ/Kα intensity ratios for elements ranging from 11Na to 96Cm

Abstract

A collection of 1118 experimental K beta/K alpha X-ray intensity ratios induced by photon impact was published recently by Daoudi et al. [1]. There were errors in some tabulated values. These errors are corrected here, as well as a substantial update including all experimental K beta/K alpha X-ray intensity ratios obtained from various sources for elements ranging from11Na to96Cm, when bombarded with photons, protons, deuterons, alpha particles, and electrons. More than 2100 experimental K beta/K alpha X-ray intensity ratios published between 1969 and 2020 (196 papers) are summarized in a table. A thorough analysis of these data is provided, as well as a table with weighted average intensity ratio values (K beta/K alpha)W. Subsequently new semi-empirical average K beta/K alpha X-ray intensity ratios for elements in the range 11 < Z < 96 have been determined using an interpolation procedure which involves the analytical function [(K beta/K alpha)W / (1 - (K beta/K alpha)W)]1/4 as a function of the atomic number Z and then fitting the experimental to weighted average ratios S = (K beta/K alpha)EXP / (K beta/K alpha)W. Furthermore, new theoretical calculations based on the Multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock Method have been performed for some elements and are presented in this work. The compilation provides a snapshot of the current status of K beta/K alpha X-ray atomic data. The need for additional quality measurements with detailed uncertainty assessments is clear. Considerable expert judgment will be needed in the future to shift through the database to create a statistically robust evaluation.