Absolute determination of the X-ray absorption coefficient of barium in the L region using a liquid absorption cell

Abstract

A method of absolute measurement of X-ray absorption coefficient is proposed, on the basis of the use of an adjustable pathlength liquid cell and a solution of the investigated element. A variational analysis of the measured data is developed to remove some sources of systematic error. A check of the exponential attenuation with thickness is used to suppress beam harmonics admixture and dark current drifts. The method is illustrated by a measurement on Ba in the L edge region, using aqueous solution of Ba nitrate. Measured data provide information on detailed energy dependence of the absorption beyond the Victoreen-like trends reproduced in compilations. The proposed method provides a way to measure the absorption data for practically all elements and a wide range of photon energies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.