InconsistentK-Lx-ray angular correlations in uranium

Angular correlations between Kα₁ x rays and subsequent L₃ x-ray transitions were measured using a ²³³Pa radionuclide source and high-resolution x-ray detectors. The results provide separately the values of A₂₂(Kα_1-Lα₁) and A₂₂(Kα_1-Lα₂) as opposed to the compound quantity A₂₂(Kα_1-L{α}). For the Ll and Lα₂ transitions, the A₂₂ values agreed closely with those based upon theoretical (Hartree-Fock) E1 and M2 transition rates. For the less intense Lβ₆ and Lβ2,15 transitions, agreement was also observed, although within larger uncertainties. In contrast, the value of A₂₂(Kα_1-Lα₁) was 0.085±{}0.007, which is somewhat larger than the predicted value of 0.073. Possible causes for this discrepancy are explored.