APL008-3-11 Determination of Mass Attenuation Coefficient of PVC and Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) Alloy

Abstract

The Compton Effect is studied with the measurement of a γ-ray energy spectrum using a scintillator, photomultiplier tube, and multichannel analyzer. The gamma rays interact with the detector, producing all three primary interaction processes, so that every phenomenon that is being studied in a sample is also taking place in the detector itself along with several other effects that mask the process of interest. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients are studied for the elements (pvc) and alloys (Fe₂O₃) at different photon energies using a continuous spectrum from the 137 Cs source via standard collimated beam shielding. That the materials with high photon absorption cross-section may be used for changing the shape of the radiation spectrum. The increase in their thickness decreases the mass attenuation coefficient. The measurements were carried out using a 3"×3" NaI (Tl) detector system and an 8 mCi Cs-137 source.