X-ray emission TaN3 and NbL3 spectra of NbC-TaC solid solutions

The results of studying X-ray emission spectra of NbxTa1-xC solid solutions are surveyed. The X-ray emission TaN3 spectra (4p(3/2)-5d6s transition) ar e studied for the first time. The character of forming the electronic struc ture of these solid solutions is discussed based on comparison of TaN3 spec tra with NbL beta (2.15) spectra (2p(3/2)-4d5s transition). The relative in tensities of d- and p-like bands change in both the niobium and tantalum sp ectra. It appears that the d-band intensity in X-ray emission spectra does not necessarily depend on the change in the population of the d band. Theor etical calculations of the band structure indicate that this is associated with the mutual effect of metal atoms in the Nb-C-Ta chain.