Measurement of elastic plus inelastic differential scattering cross-section of 59.54 keV γ-rays from paraffin and polystyrene

Abstract Scattering cross sections of 59.54 keV γ-rays of 241 Am from paraffin, polystyrene and copper have been determined for scattering angles between 30° and 120°. Differential elastic plus inelastic scattering cross-section values for copper have been obtained theoretically, by means of form factor and scattering function calculations. Comparing the experimental data with the theoretical cross section values for copper, the experimental arrangement has been calibrated for each scattering angle. So, values of differential cross sections of paraffin and polystyrene, used as neutron shield and plastic detector materials, respectively, for 59.54 keV γ-rays for 10 scattering angles have been experimentally determined. The corresponding theoretical differential cross sections were calculated. Comparison between experimental and theory reveal good agreement.