M.E. Sulkanen and J.J. Kolodziejczak
Space Sciences Laboratory
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35812
G. Chartas
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Abstract:
Electron-impact x-ray sources will be used to calibrate the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility ( AXAF ), and models of the source x-ray spectra are necessary in forecasting the calibration performance.
We simulate the spectra of x-ray lines and continumm (0.1 - 13 keV) arising from electron impact on solid targets. We use simple models for electron transport, line and continuum emissivities, and radiative transport through the target. The electrons are attenuated in energy in the target but are unscattered in direction. The continuum x-ray emission is modeled as bremsstrahlung, and the characteristic x-ray line emission is modeled by electron collisional ionization followed by radiative decay to form the lines. X-ray attenuation is also included in the radiative transfer through the target. Multilayer or compound targets can be easily treated.
We compare the spectra produced by this model to the model of Pella et al. [2] and data from metal targets[3].
Keywords: electron-impact x-ray sources, numerical modeling