Absorption Spectrum of Beryllium in the Neighborhood of the K Edge

The absorption spectrum of metallic Be has been investigated in the soft x-ray region extending from 60A to 250A. The K discontinuity appears at 111A and coincides with the K edge observed in the emission spectrum. Over the spectral range studied, the values of the linear absorption coefficient range from 0.25×{}10⁵ to 2.8×{}10⁵ cm^-1. Characteristic secondary structure is also noticeable on the short wavelength side of the edge. The positions of secondary absorption maxima are compared with those previously found in the K absorption spectrum of Al and with theoretical calculations based on the Hayasi model. The absorption spectrum has also been studied by irradiating Be absorbers with the continuous far ultraviolet radiation emitted by relativistic electrons accelerated in the Cornell synchrotron. Partial reduction of the data indicates good agreement with determinations based on the use of line spectra as the incident radiation.