Exchange and relaxation effects in low-energy radiationless transitions

The effect on low-energy atomic inner-shell Coster-Kronig and super-Coster-Kronig transitions that is produced by relaxation and by exchange between the continuum electron and bound electrons has been examined and illustrated by specific calculations for transitions that deexcite the [$3p$] vacancy state of Zn. Taking exchange and relaxation into account is found to reduce, but not to eliminate, the discrepancies between theoretical rates and measurements.