X ray notation

Updated on Feb 01, 2024

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X-ray notation is a method of labeling atomic orbitals that grew out of X-ray science. It is still traditionally used with most X-ray spectroscopy techniques including AES and XPS. In X-ray notation, every principal quantum number is given a letter associated with it.

Use

X-ray sources are classified by the type of material and orbital used to generate them. For example, Cu_Kα X-rays are emitted from the K orbital of copper.

X-ray absorption is reported as which orbital absorbed the x-ray photon. In EXAFS and XMCD the L-edge or the L absorption edge is the point where the L orbital begins to absorb x-rays.

Auger peaks are identified with three orbital definitions, for example KL₁L₂. In this case, K represents the hole that is initially present at the core level, L₁ the initial state of the electron that relaxes down into the core level hole, and L₂ the initial energy state of the emitted electron.

References

X-ray notation Wikipedia

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