The K_α and K_β emissions are actually closely spaced doublets, because transitions can occur between two possible electronic configurations, which differ slightly in energy. Usually, the two K_α wavelengths (K_α1 and K_α2) are used in crystallography. The K_β emission and much of the white radiation can be removed by the use of an appropriate filter (Ni metal for Cu radiation; Zr for Mo radiation) or by the use of a monochromator. The wavelengths of the commonly used Cu and Mo targets are:

The wavelength in the last column is the intensity weighted average, which is generally the one used because K_α1 and K_α2 are not usually resolved.

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