Space-distribution of x-ray photoelectrons ejected from the K and L atomic energy-levels

Abstract

A C.T.R. Wilson expansion-chamber was used to study the space-distribution of photoelectrons ejected from a gas by monochromatic x-rays. In agreement with Auger, and Watson and Van den Akker a more isotropic space-distribution was found for electrons ejected from the L energy-levels than for those ejected from the K energy-level. The distribution of the electrons from the L energy-levels became less isotropic with an increase in frequency of the incident radiation. For a given radiation, the average forward momentum of the electrons from the K energy-level was found to decrease with an increase in the binding energy of the parent atom. Within experimental error, however, for electrons from the K energy level, even for different binding energies, the average forward momentum remained the same for a given velocity of ejection of the electron. The average forward momentum of electrons from the L energy-level was greater than that for electrons from the K energy-level for a given velocity of ejection. The space-distribution of electrons from the K energy-level was in fair accord with the recent results of quantum mechanics.