Photon-induced M-shell X-ray production cross-sections and fluorescence yields in heavy elements at 5.96 keV

Total M-shell X-ray production cross-sections (MXRP) for selected heavy elements between Yb and U at have been measured at 5.96 keV incident photon energy using a Si(Li) detector. The average M-shell fluorescence yields have been derived, using the experimental total M X-ray production cross-sections and theoretical M-shell photoionization cross-sections. Extracted cross-sections and fluorescence yields have been compared with the literature experimental values, theoretical predictions and semiempirical fits.