Alpha- and proton-induced x-ray deexcitation of titanium

Measurements of Kα and Kβ x rays induced by proton and α-particle beams from an electrostatic accelerator show a divergence from the normal x-ray spectra as the nuclear charge increases. These measurements are consistent with the explanation that the ion excitation produces multiple inner-shell electron vacancies, which in turn cause electronic-shell energy shifts. The intensity of these shifted lines is a measure of the amount of multiple inner-shell ionization.