A novel method for determining the K-absorption edge using bremsstrahlung radiation

摘要

Here we present a novel method for determining the K-absorption edge of heavy elements using continuous bremsstrahlung radiation produced by a weak beta source. The spectrum of the radiation transmitted through an elemental target is recorded by a HPGe detector. The sharp discontinuity observed in the spectrum is identified as the absorption-edge energy. The experimental technique is easily implemented in undergraduate laboratories because only one source of beta particles and only one target foil for each element are required. (c) 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.