Prediction of mass absorption coefficients from inelastically scattered X‐radiation for specimens of less than ‘infinite thickness’

An equation is developed which describes the X‐ray scatter radiation from specimens of any thickness. This equation suggests that a specimen's mass absorption coefficient can be determined from its inelastically scattered X‐radiation not only when the specimen is ‘infinitely thick’ but also when it is of ‘intermediate thickness’. Measurements have been carried out with a standard energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer on specimens of ‘intermediate thickness’. Good agreement is obtained between the mass absorption coefficients that are calculated from the scattered radiation and those obtained on the basis of tabulated mass absorption coefficients for the elements.