Spectral shape and cross section of molecular-orbital x-ray continua from heavy-ion collisions

We investigate molecular-orbital (MO) x-ray transitions resulting from collisions between 7-95-MeV sulfur ions and various thin, solid targets. MO radiation profiles beyond the united-atom limit are measured over several orders of magnitude in intensity, and absolute contributions of spontaneous and induced MO x rays are identified. We discuss formulations of MO theories which are in excellent agreement with our experimental spectral shapes and cross sections.