A simple x-ray fluorescence experiment suitable for graduate and undergraduate laboratories is described. The experiment uses a NaI(Tl) x-ray spectrometer, a weak radioactive source and medium- targets of silver, cadmium, indium, and tin. The x-ray fluorescence yield, and x-ray production cross section, are measured for these targets. Accurate results are achieved by adopting a 2π detection geometry and by optimizing target dimensions for this experimental configuration. The experiment can be completed in 4 h and is suitable for student laboratories.
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2005
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