The Polarization of Characteristic X-Rays

Abstract

Primary x-rays from a molybdenum target Coolidge tube were allowed to impinge upon a carbon block and the intensity of the scattered radiation proceeding from this secondary source was compared in two directions mutually perpendicular to the primary rays and parallel to and perpendicular to the cathode stream respectively as the tube was rotated. When the tube was operated at 29 KV peak and the primary radiation made to pass through a suitable filter of zirconium, the radiation was rendered practically monochromatic and was composed mainly of the K-alpha lines. The ratio of the intensity of the secondary beam proceeding in a direction parallel to the cathode stream to that proceeding in a direction perpendicular thereto was then taken as a measure of the polarization of the alpha lines. This ratio was found to be about.74. Operating the tube under the same conditions as stated above but using a filter of strontium, which served to cut out the alpha lines, the corresponding ratio was.84. These results indicate that the alpha lines of molybdenum are partially polarized.