Measurement of K x-ray fluorescence parameters in elements with 24≤Z≤65 in an external magnetic field

The effect of the external magnetic field has been investigated on the K x-ray fluorescence parameters (Kα, Kβ and total K x-rays fluorescence cross sections, fluorescence yields, IKβ/IKα intensity ratios and K shell level widths) for 25 elements with 24≤Z≤65 by using an energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The samples were irradiated by using the gamma rays of 59.537 keV emitted from 241Am radioisotope source of 100 mCi. The external magnetic fields have been applied in two opposite directions and the magnitude of the external magnetic field has been fixed at +0.75 T and −0.75 T. For B=0, the measured K shell fluorescence parameters have been compared with the experimental and theoretical data in literature. The results show that the fluorescence parameters such as fluorescence cross section, fluorescence yield, intensity ratio, spectral linewidth and radiation rates can change when the irradiation is conducted in the external magnetic field.

► In the presence of the external magnetic field, K shell fluorescence parameters can change. ► These parameters are different for paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and diamagnetic materials. ► For B=0, the measured K shell fluorescence parameters are in good agreement with the experimental and theoretical data in literature. ► K shell fluorescence parameters for the same magnitude but opposite direction of the magnetic field are symmetrical.