The characteristic radiation of copper K β including radiative Auger processes

Two characterisations of the Cu K β 1,3 spectrum are developed, which are robust and transferable to other experimental x-ray geometries. By observing and considering the significant contribution of radiative Auger emission to the K β profile, we obtain an improved and more robust characterisation. The contribution of the KM 2,3 M 4,5 and KM 2,3 N 1 radiative Auger satellites to the K β 1,3 spectrum is measured to be 1.96%. The contribution of radiative Auger emission is often significant and should be included in defining characteristic x-ray spectra. This is a step in the renewed efforts to resolve inconsistencies in characteristic x-ray spectra between theory and common experimental geometries. The spectrum was measured using a rotating anode, monolithic Si channel-cut double-crystal monochromator and backgammon detector. The experimental setup provides insight into the portability of spectral characterisations of x-ray spectra.