Theoretical basis for calculations of the production and decay of inner shell vacancies

The similarities and differences between outer shell and inner shell ionization are explored. It is shown that the outer shell ionization process is well-defined, while the analogous inner shell process is not owing to the decay of the hole. Under some conditions, however, it is shown that it is possible to separate the inner shell vacancy production and decay to an excellent approximation. Examples of processes where the separation cannot be made and where it can are presented and discussed. 21 references, 6 figures, 1 table