K and L absorption edges of X-rays / Moseley's law and the Rydberg constant

Principle

Samples of various elements of different atomic numbers are irradiated with X-rays of a known spectral distribution. The energy of the transmitted intensities is analyzed using a monocrystal analyzer. Subsequently, the Rydberg constant and the screening constants are calculated from the energy of the absorption edges.

Tasks

1. Record the intensity of the X-rays emitted from the copper anode as a function of the Bragg angle using a LiF monocrystal as analyzer. Determine the K absorption edges of different absorber materials.
2. Calculate the Rydberg constant and the screening constants from the energy values of  the K absorption edges.
3. Find the L absorption edges of different absorber materials.
4. Calculate the Rydberg constant from the energy values of the L absorption edges.

Learning objectives

• X-ray Bremsstrahlung
• Characteristic radiation
• Bragg equation
• Bohr's atomic model
• Atomic energy level scheme
• Moseley's law
• Rydberg constant
• Screening constant