Ion excitation of Al K x-ray spectra

High resolution measurements of ion-excited Al K spectra were extended to include Al projectile spectra and Al target spectra excited by heavier projectiles (Ar,Ni). Spectra from 3.0-MeV Al projectiles showed that the number of L vacancies present at the time of K vacancy decay is determined largely by collisions subsequent to production of the K vacancy. Heavy projectiles on Al targets produce Al spectra which appear to be the result of two ionization mechanisms operating simultaneously. Molecular orbital formation may enter into the interpretation of satellite structure in both Al projectile and Al target spectra. (9 figs, 14 refs) (U.S.)