De-excitation characteristics of 2s(1/2) atomic hole states are poorly know
n. Measurements are hampered by the fact that the K-L-l radiative decay is
dipole-forbidden in the non-relativistic limit, precluding standard coincid
ence experiments. Calculations call for state-of-the-art approaches. We rep
ort results of radiative and radiationless transition rates to L-l vacancy
states carried out by two independent methods, i.e., a Dirac-Fock approxima
tion and a second-order relativistic many-body approach. Calculations were
performed for the elements Yb and Hg. Comparisons are made with measurement
s and with other theoretical results. Disagreement between experimental flu
orescence yields and between experiment and theory persist even with the pr
esent, more advanced, methods.