Self-Absorption Effects in the Soft X-Ray Mα and Mβ Emission Spectra of the Rare Earth Elements

The Mα and Mβ emission spectra and the MIV and MV absorption spectra have been studied for the rare earth elements. It is conclusively shown that the complicated multiplet structure observed in the emission spectra is not real emission structure but is, instead, produced by sample self-absorption. This is demonstrated by observing the emission spectra over wide variations in take-off angle and bombarding-electron energies and finally by comparing the detailed structure of both the emission and absorption spectra. The MIV and MV absorption structure completely overlaps the Mα and Mβ emission lines which are each found to have but one intensity maximum when obtained under conditions of minimum self-absorption. Some of these spectra have never been shown previously, while others have been studied in detail by several investigators. Points of agreement and disagreement with previous work are mentioned and the wavelengths of the emission lines and absorption edges are listed for all of the lanthanides. It is concluded that 4f→3d electron transitions are reversible in these elements.