Heavy element (Z>30) thick-target gamma-ray yields induced by 1.7 and 2.4 MeV protons

Proton induced thick target #betta#-ray yields for elements with Z = 31-35, 37-42, 44-53, 55-60, 62-74, 78-82 at Esub(P) = 1.7 and 2.4 MeV have been tabulated and spectra given for the most interesting elements. In elements where #betta#-ray peaks were observed, the yields varied from 55 to 2 x 105 #betta#-rays/μC x sr at Esub(P) = 2.4 MeV. In spite of the rather low #betta#-ray yields, the proton induced #betta#-ray emission (PIGE) method is applicable to heavy element determination under certain circumstances, as demonstrated. Of the suitable low yield elements, tin is recommended as a lining material for (p, #betta#) measurements. (orig.)