Absorption of gamma-Rays.
Abstract
In the evaluation of experiments on gamma ray attenuation and in the general problem of shield design it is necessary to have accurate knowledge of absorption coefficients as a function of gamma ray energy and of atomic number. Even a cursory examination of the literature reveals surprisingly large discrepancies among the values quoted by various authors, differences of five or ten percent of the total coefficient being not uncommon. An attempt is made here to compile a table of coefficients which is representative of the best experimental data available at the present time, and to give an estimate of the accuracy of the values given. Except for a quite limited range of the variables involved, it has been found that theoretical formulae, as given in standard textbooks, cannot in general be relied upon to give the absorption coefficients with an accuracy of five percent. This seems to be attributable, in most cases, to various approximations which enter the theoretical calculations of cross sections for photoelectric absorption and for pair production.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 25, 1949
- Accession Number
- ADA311135
Entities
People
- J. L. Powell
- W. S. Snyder
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory