Towards full understanding the physics of heavy ion induced inner shell ionization

Abstract

The complex physics of inner shell ionization of target atoms by heavy ion impact has remained only partially solved for decades. Recently, agreement between theory and experiment has been achieved by considering inner shell ionization of target atoms due to projectile electron capture in addition to direct Coulomb ionization including multiple ionization effects. A thorough investigation exhibits such a picture only if the atomic parameters of the target atoms are correct. In fact, the theoretical approach is found to be right, but the problem arises with the faulty atomic parameters. Furthermore, we show that fluorescence yields play a major role among the atomic parameters. We explore such a powerful method that enables us to measure the correct and accurate fluorescence yields for almost every element in the periodic table. As per our present knowledge, this in turn not only solves the said complex issue fully but also makes the PIXE analysis more reliable and accurate using both light and heavy ions.