Measurement of $K$-shell photoelectric absorption parameters of Hf, Ta, Au, and Pb by an alternative method using a weak $\ensuremath{\beta}$-particle source

Measurement of $K$ -shell photoelectric absorption parameters of Hf, Ta, Au, and Pb by an alternative method using a weak $β$ -particle source

S. V. Nayak and N. M. Badiger

Phys. Rev. A 73, 032707 – Published 6 March 2006

Abstract

Both the $K$ absorption edge and the $K$ -shell photoelectric cross section have been determined for Hf, Ta, Au, and Pb by using a continuous external bremsstrahlung (EB) radiation from a weak $β$ source. In this method the EB photons produced in a nickel foil by the $β$ particles from a weak ${}^{90}{Sr} − {}^{90}Y$ $β$ source are incident on a target and the spectrum of the transmitted photons is recorded with a high-purity Ge detector coupled to an 8000 multichannel analyzer. The transmitted spectrum exhibits a sharp fall in intensity at the $K$ -shell binding energy; and such a fall is used to determine both the $K$ -absorption edge and the photoelectric cross section of the target.