PERIODIC VARIATION IN THE I-PROJECTILE AND AG-PROJECTILE L-BETA(1)-TO-L-ALPHA X-RAY-INTENSITY RATIO WITH THE TARGET ATOMIC-NUMBER

Periodic variation in the L beta(1)-to-L alpha x-ray intensity ratio o f I and Ag projectiles has been observed as a function of the atomic n umber Z(2) Of the collision partner. It is shown that this periodic be havior is linked to the enhanced intensity of the L beta(3) and L beta (4) x-ray components, which are not resolved from the dominant L beta( 1) x ray. The enhancement of the L beta(3) and L beta(4) components is attributed to the increased L-1-subshell ionization via molecular orb itals. The x-ray intensity ratio is also found to be nearly the same, in a few selected cases studied, irrespective of the role of the emitt er as target or projectile.