Structure of the Pb, Bi, Th, and UMx-ray spectra

The emission of x rays in atomic transitions from $M$-shell vacancy states of Pb, Bi, Th, and U induced by electron bombardment was studied by means of wavelength dispersive spectroscopy. Relative transition probabilities, characteristic energies, natural linewidths, and x-ray production cross sections were determined through a careful spectral processing based on a parameter refinement method. The experimental data for a number of $M$-shell relative transition probabilities along with values for a large set of atomic parameters are given. Finally, the origin and shape of the satellite bands at the high-energy side of the main lines are discussed.