Energy dependence of photon-induced Kα and Kβ x-ray production cross-sections for some elements with 38≤Z≤51 in the energy range 20–50 keV

The energy dependence of photon-induced Kα and Kβ x-ray production (or x-ray fluorescence) cross-sections for Sr, Y, Mo, Ru, Pd, Ag, In and Sb elements has been studied in the energy range of 20–50 keV using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Spectrometry. The photon energy dependence of K x-ray production cross-sections was measured with secondary excitation method. A radioisotope point source of 241Am was employed to excite the K x-rays of secondary exciter elements. The L x-ray yields from Th and U were measured to determine IoG (the intensity of exciter K x-rays falling on primary target). The measurements have been made by observing the x-ray emissions with the help of HPGe detector coupled with a multichannel analyzer. The areas of the Kα and Kβ spectral peaks, as well as the net peak areas, have been determined by a fitting process. The measured Kα and Kβ x-ray production cross-sections have been compared with calculated theoretical values in this energy regime. The present experimental results for all the elements were in general agreement with the theoretical values calculated using photoionization cross-sections, fractional rates (based on Hartree–Slater potentials) and fluorescence yields. - Highlights: ► The incident photon energy dependence of K x-rays production cross-sections was studied. ► The experiments were performed for elements with 38≤Z≤51 in the incident photon energy range 20–50 keV. ► The K x-rays emitted from the elements were counted by HPGe detector coupled with a multichannel analyzer. ► The cross-sections decrease with increase in incident photon energy. ► The experimental values are in agreement with theoretical calculated values.