K alpha(1,2) x-ray linewidths, asymmetry indices, and [K M] shake probabilities in elements Ca to Ge and comparison with theory for Ca, Ti, and Ge

We have investigated systematically the K alpha x-ray spectra in elements from Ca to Ge within Berger's twoLorentzian functions model, using a high-resolution antiparallel double-crystal x-ray spectrometer, in order to obtain in detail the physical meaning of the asymmetry in the spectral profiles. The overall tendency of the corrected full width at half maximum of the K alpha(1) and K alpha(2) lines as a function of Z, as well as the linewidths, are in good agreement with the data reported in the literature. It is found, from both the experiments and calculation, that satellite lines arising from shake-off appear between the K alpha(1) and K alpha(2) lines. The asymmetry index of Ka1 in 3d elements from Sc to Zn is ascribed to the existence of a 3d spectator hole. Moreover, the observed Sc Ka1 line shows a symmetric profile unlike the Ti K alpha(1) line profile, this discrepancy being explained by the existence of satellite lines on both sides of the Sc profile. Our experimental results yielded around 25% probability for the probability of shake processes creating a second hole in the 3p or 3d subshells in Sc and around 18% probability for creating a second hole the in the 3p in Ca. For the latter process our calculated value, using multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock wave functions and the sudden approximation yielded a 10% probability.