Compton scattering of X-rays

Compton scattering is to be achieved by directing an X-ray beam against a piece of plastic. The portions of the scattered X-rays at various angles is to be measured with a counter tube. Measurements are to be made with an absorber positioned in front of and behind the scatterer, so that the Compton wave length can be determined from the varying intensity attenuation of the X-rays at different  wavelengths, using a premeasured transmission curve.

Tasks

1. Determine the transmission of an aluminium absorber as a function of the Bragg angle and plot it as a function of the wavelength of the radiation.
2. Measure the intensity of the radiation that is scattered at an angle of a) 60° b) 90° and c) 120° on an acrylic glass block with and without an absorber.
3. Determine the Compton wavelength of the electron based on the transmission curve.

Learning objectives

• Compton effect
• Compton wavelength
• Rest energy
• Absorption
• Transmission
• Conservation of energy and momentum
• X-rays
• The Bragg equation