Effective atomic numbers for gamma ray interaction at 59.54 keV in heterogeneous layers of materials using 241Am gamma rays

Effective atomic numbers of various combinations of elements with 13≤Z≤5013≤Z≤50 which in effect form heterogeneous layers have been deduced using the mass attenuation values determined experimentally using 59.54 keV gamma rays. The results are compared with the theoretical values obtained using XCOM and the values calculated with an empirical formula. The coherent and incoherent scattering contributions are subtracted from the measured total cross section to get the photoelectric cross section and corresponding effective atomic numbers were also determined. The results are in good agreement with empirical estimations.

► Mass attenuation coefficient determined using Am-241 gamma rays.
► Result compared with XCOM result.
► Effective atomic number of heterogeneous layers from the total cross section.
► Photoelectric cross section extracted.