The l/k-capture ratio of germanium 71

A direct measurement of the L/K-capture ratio of 71Ge has been made using a special proportional counter system which avoids the effects of x-ray escape. One proportional counter is effectively enclosed by another, without any intermediate wall. With a gaseous source of germanium hydride and an argon filling at 6 atmospheres, the ratio of the L- and K-peaks from the central counter, in anticoincidence with the surrounding counter, was determined. The LjK-capture ratio was found to be 0·128+0·005 −0·003. In addition, in a separate measurement, a value of 0·53 ± 0·03 was obtained for the K-fluorescence yield of gallium.