Variation of K X-ray fluorescence cross-sections of Cu, Y and Ba in Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ superconductor

Abstract

K X-ray fluorescence cross-sections of Cu, Y and Ba elements were measured in CuO, Y 2O3, BaCO3 compounds and Y Ba2Cu3O7-? superconductor samples (nonreacted agent, calcined and sintered states). A superconductor sample of Y Ba2Cu3O7-? was prepared by using a solid-state reaction technique. The samples were excited by gamma rays of energy 59.5 keV from a 241Am radioisotope source. The Cu, Y and Ba K X-ray intensities counted with a Si(Li) detector were measured in different solid-state conditions. The obtained values of K X-ray fluorescence cross-section were compared with the theoretical values of pure Cu, Y and Ba elements. We found that the K X-ray fluorescence cross-section of Cu, Y and Ba in Y Ba2Cu3O7-? sample is changed in different solid-state conditions, depending on the mixture (nonreacted agent), calcined and sintered states. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.