X RAY ABSORPTION edge explination

This explains why silver, despite having a higher atomic number, has a lower attenuation coefficient compared to zirconium. In summary, the absorption edges of different materials depend on the energy of the x-ray being used. In the case of zirconium and silver, zirconium has a lower K edge absorption energy, resulting in a higher absorption coefficient at 35 KeV compared to silver.
  • #1
Myrddin
25
0
so just about finishing a report on x ray abosprtion on different materials, generally the linear attneuation coefficent increases with atominc number Z. However silver(47) had a lower attenuation coefficent then zirconium(40) despite having the significantly higher value of Z.

With some reading found that the absorption edges ;where there is a rapid increase in absorption from photon matching the binding of a shell, depends on the energy of the x ray your using. So we thought this must explain our result with silver. Looking at the K shell :

Zirconium has Kedge absortpion at 18KeV
Silver has kedge absorption 25 KeV

Our supply voltage was 35Kv---> 35KeV , so why does zircmonium have more absortion?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The answer lies in the fact that the absorption edges of Zirconium and silver occur at different energies. The K edge absorption of zirconium occurs at 18 KeV while the K edge absorption of silver occurs at 25 KeV. This means that at 35 KeV, the absorption of zirconium would be much higher than the absorption of silver since it is closer to the K edge absorption of zirconium.
 

1. What is an X-ray absorption edge?

An X-ray absorption edge is a sharp increase in the X-ray absorption spectrum at a specific energy level, caused by the absorption of X-rays by electrons in a sample.

2. How does X-ray absorption edge analysis work?

X-ray absorption edge analysis involves measuring the intensity of X-rays before and after they pass through a sample. The difference in intensity is used to determine the absorption edge and the energy level of the electrons in the sample.

3. What information can be obtained from X-ray absorption edge analysis?

X-ray absorption edge analysis can provide information about the electronic structure and chemical bonding of a sample, as well as its elemental composition and oxidation state.

4. How is X-ray absorption edge analysis used in research?

X-ray absorption edge analysis is commonly used in materials science, chemistry, and physics research to study the properties of materials, such as catalysts, semiconductors, and thin films.

5. Are there any limitations to X-ray absorption edge analysis?

One limitation of X-ray absorption edge analysis is that it requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it less accessible for some researchers. Additionally, the analysis may be affected by sample preparation methods and the presence of other elements in the sample.

Similar threads

Why does silver have lower absorption than zirconium at 35 keV?
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Where could I look for down-to-earth X-ray facts?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
1K
How Thick Should a Concrete Wall Be to Safely Shield X-Rays in a Radiology Room?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Understanding X-ray Attenuation: Determining Absorption Probability and Depth
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
3K
Information on X-rays and Gamma Rays
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
2
Views
10K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top