K-SHELL IONIZATION AND X-RAY PRODUCTION CROSS SECTIONS BY PROTONS IN VACUUM AND GASEOUS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The Κα ionization and x-ray production cross sections from the bombardment of three metal targets with protons were measured in vacuum and in gaseous environment (external beam technique). Proton energies between 1.5 and 8 MeV were used. The experimental Κ shell ionization and x-ray production cross sections were calculated for the same targets and com­ pared with three theoretical and two semiempirical approxima­ tions. For the measurements in gaseous environment the influ­ence of the secondary electrons (delta electrons) emitted from the gas, to the x-ray yields was investigated. For this pur­ pose a suitable model was introduced and tested experimen­tally.