What Causes the Spikes in X-ray Spectra?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the causes of spikes in X-ray emission spectra when an electron beam interacts with a tungsten target. The smooth curve observed in the intensity versus wavelength graph is attributed to bremsstrahlung radiation, where electrons lose energy upon deceleration. The spikes result from electrons penetrating deep into tungsten atoms, exciting inner-shell electrons to higher energy levels, which subsequently release energy as photons when they return to their original states. This phenomenon is characteristic of the target material and is analogous to optical spectra but involves higher energy transitions.

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  • Understanding of X-ray emission and interaction with matter
  • Familiarity with bremsstrahlung radiation principles
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and electron shell dynamics
  • Basic grasp of spectroscopy and photon emission
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  • Research X-ray emission spectrum analysis techniques
  • Study the principles of bremsstrahlung radiation in detail
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Researchers, physicists, and students in materials science or spectroscopy who are interested in understanding X-ray emission phenomena and their applications in analytical techniques.

Badrakhandama
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Hello,

I have studied X-ray emission when an electron beam is fired at a tungsten target - But when I was presented with the graph of Intensity versus wavelength, I was confused...

I saw a curve, and on it there were spikes. What are these spikes, and why are they caused?

Something to do with supersposition?


Thanks In Advance!
 
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Most interesting! I never heard of this before. But a Google search for
x-ray emission spectrum
turns up some spectra and explanations. I found this one
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:iImAsSNxwOYJ:www.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/Cha10sec212.pdf+x-ray+emission+spectrum&hl=en&gl=ca&sig=AHIEtbQ-9jo-NS86kPmazM8ullZOjbtklA
particularly interesting.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The smooth curve is due to bremmstrahlung,the electrons radiating energy as a result of being decelerated on striking the tungsten target.The spikes are caused by some electrons penetrating deep into the target atoms and raising electrons from shells to higher energy levels with the electrons then jumping back and releasing their excess energy as photons.This mechanism is similar to that responsible for optical spectra etc but the energies involved are greater.The spikes are characteristic of the target atoms.
 

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