Polarization of X-rays as a Function of Wave-Length

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Abstract
Polarization of primary x-rays.—(1) As a function of wave-length. Rays from a Coolidge target were caused to fall upon a block of paraffin, and the relative intensities of the secondary rays scattered in a plane normal to the primary rays and in directions respectively parallel and perpendicular to the primary cathode rays, were determined by ionization chambers connected to string electrometers. In a qualitative way, the polarization was shown to be greater for the shorter wave-lengths, by the effects of various filters; also the secondary radiation was found more penetrating in the direction of maximum scattering than at right angles. Quantitative results were obtained from the observed changes in the total primary polarization as the form of the spectrum curve was changed in a known manner by the insertion of absorbers in the primary beam. For a maximum voltage of 58 kv, the ratio of components increased from.835 at.3 A to.98 for 1 A. Thus even the shortest wave-lengths (.22A) were not completely polarized. (2) As a function of voltage, the mean polarization decreased as the maximum voltage increased from 26 to 64 kv, the corresponding component ratios increasing from.77 to.92. The results indicate that even for a very thin target the polarization would decrease as the cathode ray velocity increased.

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