Thick target total bremsstrahlung spectra of lead compounds in the photon energy region 1–10 keV by 90Sr beta particles

Abstract

Total bremsstrahlung spectral photon distribution generated in thick targets of lead compounds Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O, Pb(NO3)2 and PbCl2 by 90Sr beta particles has been investigated theoretically and experimentally in the photon energy region 1–10keV. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical models describing ordinary bremsstrahlung and the theoretical model which includes polarization bremsstrahlung into ordinary bremsstrahlung, in stripped approximation. It is observed that the experimental results show better agreement with the model which describes bremsstrahlung in stripped approximation in the energy range 3–10keV. However, the results show positive deviation in the photon energy region of 1–3keV. Further, it has been found that there is a continuous decrease of polarization bremsstrahlung contribution into ordinary bremsstrahlung in the formation of total bremsstrahlung spectra with increase in photon energy. The suppression of polarization bremsstrahlung has been observed due to the presence of large fraction of low Z elements in the compounds. The results clearly indicate that polarization bremsstrahlung plays an important role in the formation of total bremsstrahlung spectra in compounds in the studied energy region.