Determination of ion-induced K-shell ionization cross sections by comparison with nuclear Coulomb excitation

Abstract A new method for the determination of cross sections for K-shell ionization of heavy atoms by charged particles is proposed. The method is based on a comparison of photon lines due to K X-rays and low-energy γ-rays, the latter ones being produced in nuclear Coulomb excitation with accurately known cross sections. This procedure applies within a limited energy range to the study of targets comprising deformed even nuclei, but can also be extended to other targets having Z≳30. A test of the new technique has been carried out for Gd, W, Th and U natural targets irradiated by 4.75 MeV protons. For Th, also energies of 6.80–10.10 MeV were used. The results are briefly discussed with ref…