An yttrium Mξ source for ESCA

A new source for producing YMξ radiation in an ESCA spectrometer is described. The system makes use of continuous evaporation of yttrium on a rotating anode. It is demonstrated that this scheme allows YMξ-excited electron spectra to be recorded without gradual loss of resolution and intensity due to anode oxidation. Electron spectra of Ar, Hg and N₂ excited by YMξ radiation are studied. Relative photoelectric cross-sections of the 5d_{$\text{5}\text{2}$}, 5d_{$\text{5}\text{2}$} and 6s orbitals in Hg and the four valence orbitals in N₂ are measured. The valence electron shake-up spectrum of N₂ is discussed.