Investigation of K X-ray intensity ratios of some 4d transition metals depending on the temperature

In this paper, we have studied the intensity ratios Kβ/Kα depending on the temperature for transition elements Mo, Nb, Zr and Y by 59.5 keV γ-rays from a 100 mCi 241Am radioisotope point source. The Kα and Kβ emission spectra of Mo, Nb, Zr and Y were measured by using a Si (Li) solid-state detector at temperature between 40 and 400 °C. σKα and σKβ production cross-sections, Kβ/Kα intensity ratios, asymmetry factor, energy shifts and full width half maximum (FWHM) values of the elements have been calculated. Temperature-dependent changes of the parameters are tabulated and given in the graphical forms. Based on the results obtained, Kβ/Kα X-ray intensity ratios of the elements are dependent on the temperature. It is shown that σKβ fluorescence cross sections of Mo, Nb and Zr have more increase rate than σKα fluorescence cross sections with increasing temperature. For Y, σKα and σKβ production cross-sections firstly decrease, then increase. In general, Kβ/Kα X-ray intensity ratios tend to increase with increasing temperature. Some significant shifts are observed in Kα and Kβ emission spectra of Mo and Y. These results may contribute to the XRF studies of transition metals.