L-shell polarization and alignment of heavy elements induced by 59.54 keV photons

The polarization (%) of L-shell fluorescent X-rays (Lα, Lβ and Ll) of Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Os, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th and U excited by 59.54 keV photons has been measured. These polarization degrees were then used to determine the alignment parameters A2. The Ll X-rays were found to be strongly polarized, whereas Lα and Lβ X-rays showed less polarization. In this regard, the Lα, Lβ and Ll groups show anisotropic spatial distributions. The results for polarization (%) as well as alignment parameters were compared with the ones available in literature.