X-ray notation
Encyclopedia
X-ray notation is a method of labeling atomic orbitals that grew out of X-ray science. It is still traditionally used with most x-ray spectroscopy techniques including AES
and XPS
. In X-ray notation, every principal quantum number is given a letter associated with it.
Auger electron spectroscopy
Auger electron spectroscopy is a common analytical technique used specifically in the study of surfaces and, more generally, in the area of materials science...
and XPS
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a quantitative spectroscopic technique that measures the elemental composition, empirical formula, chemical state and electronic state of the elements that exist within a material...
. In X-ray notation, every principal quantum number is given a letter associated with it.
Conversion
| Quantum Numbers (n l s j) |
Atomic Notation | X-ray Notation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 0 ±1/2 1/2 | 1s(1/2) | K1 |
| 2 0 ±1/2 1/2 | 2s(1/2) | L1 |
| 2 1 -1/2 1/2 | 2p(1/2) | L2 |
| 2 1 +1/2 3/2 | 2p(3/2) | L3 |
| 3 0 ±1/2 1/2 | 3s | M1 |
| 3 1 -1/2 1/2 | 3p1/2 | M2 |
| 3 1 +1/2 3/2 | 3p3/2 | M3 |
| 3 2 -1/2 3/2 | 3d3/2 | M4 |
| 3 2 +1/2 5/2 | 3d5/2 | M5 |
Use
- X-ray sources are classified by the type of material and orbital used to generate them. For example, CuKα X-rays are emitted from the K orbital of copper.
- X-ray absorptionAbsorption (electromagnetic radiation)In physics, absorption of electromagnetic radiation is the way by which the energy of a photon is taken up by matter, typically the electrons of an atom. Thus, the electromagnetic energy is transformed to other forms of energy for example, to heat. The absorption of light during wave propagation is...
is reported as which orbital absorped the x-ray photon. In EXAFS and XMCDXMCDX-ray magnetic circular dichroism is a difference spectrum of two x-ray absorption spectra taken in a magnetic field, one taken with left circularly polarized light, and one with right circularly polarized light...
the L-edge or the L absorption edge is the point where the L orbital begins to absorp x-rays. - AugerAuger electron spectroscopyAuger electron spectroscopy is a common analytical technique used specifically in the study of surfaces and, more generally, in the area of materials science...
peaks are identified with three orbital definitions, for example KL1L2. In this case, K represents the core level hole, L1 the relaxing electron's initial state, and L2 the emitted electron's initial energy state.