Coherent and incoherent scattering of low-energy X-ray photons in the atomic region 13 ≤ Z ≤ 82

Abstract

Coherent- and incoherent-scattering cross sections for the elements Al, Cu, Y, In, Au, and Pb were measured using nearly monoenergetic unpolarized 35.86 and 39.96 keV X-ray beams with high-resolution Si (Li) detectors. Bremsstrahlung radiation from an X-ray tube was used to excite nearly monoenergetic X-rays in secondary targets. To improve the efficiency of the detection system the excitation source, detector, and the target assembly were placed in a vacuum chamber and a pressure of 10−2 mbar was maintained throughout the measurements. This system considerably reduced the background and scattering effects and improved the monochromacy. Experimental coherent-scattering cross sections are compared with the normalized integrated coherent-scattering cross sections calculated using the relativistic, nonrelativistic, and relativistic-modified form factors. Experimental incoherent-scattering cross sections are compared with the theoretical values, calculated using the nonrelativistic incoherent-scattering function. Good correspondence is observed between experimental and theoretical values in the given energy region.