Penelope Model

Total cross section

The total photoelectric cross section at a given photon energy \(E\) is calculated from the data [CHK89], as described in Generic Calculation of Total Cross Sections.

Sampling of the final state

The subshell from which the electron is emitted is randomly selected according to the relative cross sections of subshells, determined at the energy \(E\) by interpolation of the data of Ref. [eal69]. The electron kinetic energy is the difference between the incident photon energy and the binding energy of the electron before the interaction in the sampled shell. The interaction leaves the atom in an excited state; the subsequent de-excitation is simulated as described in Atomic relaxation.

Bibliography

CHK89

D. Cullen, J.H. Hubbell, and L. Kissel. Epdl97: the evaluated photon data library, `97 version. UCRL–50400, 6(Rev.5):, 1989. https://www-nds.iaea.org/epics/DOCUMENTS/EPDL97.pdf.

eal69

J.W. Motz et al. Pair production by photons. Rev. Mod. Phys, 41():581, 1969.