Anomalies in Kβ/Kα X-ray intensity ratios of d-transition elements

Abstract

The Kβ/Kα ratios of several d-transition elements and compounds (Cr to Br) were determined using a liquid nitrogen cooled Si(Li) detector with 163-eV resolution at 5.9 keV. A 15 mCi ¹⁰⁹Cd radioisotope was employed as the excitation source. Thin samples were used in this study. The Kα and Kβ X-ray intensities were corrected for linear attenuation due to air path, Be entrance window, thin Au electrical contact layer and sample self-attenuation. No corrections were made for the Kα escape peak and detector efficiency. This study demonstrated that the Kβ/Kα ratios of pure elements were significantly different from their compounds and were in excellent agreement with previously reported experimental data.