Ionization of hafnium L-shell by electron impact

A lower-energy electron beam has been directed on to a hafnium thin target with thick backing to investigate the process of L-shell ionization. By using a Si(Li) detector to count the x-rays from the L-subshell, the partial and total production cross sections and mean ionization cross sections versus electron energies have been deduced simultaneously (from threshold to 36keV). The influence of the electron reflected from the backing on measurements has been corrected. The path of the electron multi-scattered in the target itself has also been calculated by using the Monte Carlo programme (EGS4). A comparison with both theoretical predictions is given.