X-ray attenuation coefficients and photoelectric cross sections of Cu and Fe in the range 3 keV to 29 keV☆

Abstract A new X-ray source has been obtained by proton excitation of elemental or compound targets. Using this X-ray source and Si(Li) detector system the mass attenuation coefficients have been determined for copper in the energy range 3.3–29.1 keV, for iron in 3.3–20 keV. The experimental uncertainties of the attenuation coefficients have been reduced to ±1% for intense isolated characteristic X-rays. The total photoelectric cross sections have been obtained by subtracting scattering cross sections from the measured total cross sections. The comparisons of the present experimental results with the past values, as well as between the experimental values and the theoretical calculations, have been presented and discussed.