Observing the Chemical State of Elements With Z=21 To 28 From L Alpha1 To L L Ratios With Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
It is well known that chemical bonding affects elemental x-ray emission spectra. The spectra of low atomic number elements show energy shifts which depend on the bonding of the element. To observe these shifts, a high resolution wavelength dispersive (WDS) x-ray spectrometer is required. Intensity variations of the L series can be observed with an EDS system which also show chemical effects.The L Alphal and the L L radiations are produced from a vacancy in the L III shell. Normally the L L line is about 5 to 6% of the intensity of the L Alphal line. However, in the atomic number range of Z=21 to 28, it is easily observed that the L L line becomes more intense. The L Alphal is no longer present at Z=20. These intensity changes are due to the outer electron shells of these atoms being unfilled. The L Alphal comes from the L3-M5 transition, while the L L comes from L3-M1 transition. The M5 (3d level) of the M shell is partially filled for Z=21 to 28; empty for Z<21and full for Z> 28. Holliday observed a Ti LL which was 17% greater than the Ti L Alphal.