Angular distributions of X-rays emitted following L₃ ionization of Au atoms by electron impact

The angular distributions of Au L_α, L_β, and L_l X-rays at forward angles 0°≤ϕ≤25° emitted following 15 keV electron impact have been measured in order to investigate the degree of induced alignment of the L₃ subshell vacancies. After corrections for absorption of the characteristic X-rays within the Au target, our results suggest that the angular distributions of the L_α and L_β X-rays are essentially isotropic, as no anisotropy was observed in our data outside of experimental uncertainties. However, the results of our experiments suggest that the angular distribution of the Au L_l X-rays may be weakly anisotropic. - Highlights: • Au L_α and L_β X-rays emitted isotropically following electron impact. • Angular distribution of Au L_l X-rays exhibits weak anisotropy. • Data was corrected for absorption of the characteristic X-rays within the Au target