Characteristic X-Rays Excited by Beta-Particles

Characteristic x-rays have been shown to be associated with a β-particle source. The x-rays excited in atoms outside the β-emitting atom were detected by absorption measurements and photographically, with a curved crystal spectrograph. Characteristic Cu x-rays associated with the decay of 12.8-hour Cu⁶⁴ are attributed to the strong beta-activity of the source. Photographs of characteristic x-rays excited by P³² β-particles in Cu, Zr, Rh, and Ag were obtained. The characteristic x-rays and general x-radiation excited by P³² β-particles in Al, Cu, Ag, Sn, and Pb were studied by absorption of the radiation in Al, Cu, and Pb.