Theoretical transition probabilities for inner shell excitations in rubidium near the K edge

We were able to reproduce the near K edge photoabsorption spectrum of rubidium in the energy range 15,200-15,235 eV. This was done by calculating the transition probabilities for inner shell excitations to singly and doubly excited states. The calculations have been carried out using multi-configuration Dirac-Fock wave functions with the inclusion of the Breit interaction, quantum electrodynamics contributions and finite nuclear size corrections. The transition probabilities were then convoluted into Lorentzian line shapes. A rough estimate of the effect of photoionization was also taken into account. Good overall agreement was attained when the results of the calculation is compared with previous measurements of the K edge photoabsorption spectrum of rubidium.