X-ray L1, L2 and L3 absorption limits of 4D transition metals

The wavelengths and energies of the L₁, L₂ and L₃ absorption limits in Zr, Nb, Ru, Rh, Pd and Ag metals have been measured and some of the previous reported values have been found to be incorrect. By comparing the energies of the absorption limits with those of the Lγ₁Ly, and Lβ_2,15, lines and also with the binding energies obtained by XPS, the electronic transitions corresponding to the respective absorption limits have been clarified. It is concluded that (i) the end level of the electronic transition corresponding to the L₁ absorption limit of Zr-Ag is the 5p-like level, and (ii) the end level corresponding to either of the L₂ and L₃, absorption limits of Zr-Pd is the 4d level, while that of Ag is, rather unexpectedly, the top of the 5s level.