Cascades after k-vacancy production in atoms and ions of light elements

Abstract

The results of detailed level-by-level calculations of Auger and radiative cascades after K-vacancy production are presented for the astrophysically important elements, namely Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Ar. Calculations are performed using the single-configuration, quasi-relativistic approximation. The whole isonuclear sequence of ions for a given element is considered. For the first time, the dependence of the cascade on the initial vacancy state is investigated. The populations are presented not only for the levels of the final configurations, but also for the levels of the excited configurations after the Auger transitions. An intense characteristic emission can be observed from such levels. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.