Ag K-shell ionization by electron impact: New cross-section measurements between 50 and 100 keV and review of previous experimental data

•Thin targets employed, dispensing with electron path length and angular deflection corrections.•Cross-section deduced from characteristic to bremsstrahlung radiation.•Evaluation of the bremsstrahlung yield by an accurate method.•Critical review of available experimental data on Ag K-shell ionization by electron impact.

We report the measurement of Ag K-shell ionization cross-section by electron impact in the range 50–100 keV and review the experimental data found in the literature. The sample consisted in a thin film of Ag evaporated on a thin C backing. The x-ray spectra generated by electron bombardment in the São Paulo Microtron were observed with a planar HPGe detector. The ratios between characteristic and bremsstrahlung x-ray yields were transformed to ionization cross sections with the help of theoretical atomic-field bremsstrahlung cross sections. The measured cross sections are compared with existing experimental values and calculations based on the semi-relativistic distorted-wave Born approximation. According to our experiment, the ratio of Ag Kβ to Kα x-ray intensities is 0.2018(24).