The Measurement of Low Energy X-Rays II: Total Absorption Calorimetry

Abstract

A calorimeter is described for the measurement of energy fluence in beams of low energy X-rays [30 kv (kilovolts) and below] in which the beams are totally absorbed in a thin gold target. A thermistor bridge together with a.c. amplification and phase sensitive detection is used to detect the temperature rise of the absorber. Various methods of comparing the thermal response to X-rays and electrical heating are analyzed and tested experimentally.