What Causes the Spikes in X-ray Spectra?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the X-ray emission spectrum resulting from an electron beam interacting with a tungsten target. Participants are particularly focused on understanding the spikes observed in the intensity versus wavelength graph of the spectrum and the underlying mechanisms that cause these features.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about the spikes in the X-ray spectrum and suggests a possible connection to superposition. Other participants share links to external resources and images to provide context, while also questioning the nature of the spikes and the concept of bremsstrahlung.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various aspects of the X-ray emission spectrum. Some have provided external references that may help clarify the topic, while others are seeking deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the observed phenomena. There is no explicit consensus yet on the explanations offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of X-ray emission and the specific characteristics of tungsten as a target material. There is an indication that assumptions about the nature of the spikes and their relation to electron interactions are being examined.

Badrakhandama
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

X-ray production and ionization energy
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Silver Atom X-Ray Spectra: Kα & L X-Rays?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Why Bremsstrahlung <20keV for Tungsten?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
X-ray production, continous and line spectra.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Understanding X-ray Tube Components: Anode Confusion Explained
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad X-ray spectra- bremsstrahlung and characteristic x-rays
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad X-ray fluorescence photons question
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Emission current from hot cathode in an X-ray sourse
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Van Laue Formulation: X-ray Diffraction from Crystal Structure
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Understanding X-Ray Spectra Graphs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
15K