Mass attenuation coefficients for elements measured with characteristic x-rays from targets excited by energetic proton

The characteristic x-rays from elemental or compound targets excited by energetic proton are quasi-monochromatic x-ray sources. The advantages of high line/background ratio, controllable intensity as well as many available energies, make them suitable for applications in many important fields. The total mass attenuation cross sections of yttrium have been systematically measured by using this kind of x-ray source. The accuracy of experimental data has been improved to ± 1%, which is much better than that of earlier results. The contributions of the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections have been calculated in accordance with the present experimental condition. And the total photoelectric cross sections have been obtained by subtracting the scattering cross section from the measured total cross sections. The comparisons of our experimental results with the available data of earlier investigations as well as with the theoretical calculations have been presented and discussed.