Further experiments on the absorption and scattering of γ-rays
The absorption and scattering of γ-rays by elements has already formed the subject of two papers published recently in these proceedings. The objects of the experiments described in this paper were (1) to extend the absorption measurements, especially in the more important direction of the extremely short waves emitted by RaC, and (2) to make a thorough investigation, with special reference to Compton’s theory, of the scattering by matter of these high-frequency radiations. It was shown in the papers referred to that the absorption of γ-rays from RaB + C, filtered through 1 cm. of lead, is closely expressed by relations similar to those which hold for X-rays. Estimates of the mean-effective wave-length of the beam placed the value at about 0.02 Å. U. Now, it is well known from the crystal analysis of Rutherford and Andrade, and the β-ray magnetic spectra measurements of Ellis, and Ellis, and Skinner, that the γ-rays emitted by radium products cover a wide range of wave-length —roughly, from 1.0 to 0.005 Å. U. It is, however, uncertain whether the very short waves obey the same general laws of absorption as the ordinary X-rays. Direct measurements on a few selected homogeneous rays, though capable of yielding most important results, are unfortunately impracticable. The problem has, therefore, been attacked by the less direct method of measuring accurately the absorption of a complex beam, successively hardened by means of five suitable filters. It will be shown that in every case the absorption of γ-rays obeys the same general law as has already been found. The measurements also throw some light on the spectral distribution of energy in the beam.