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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

X-ray fluorescence analysis

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5950545

A sample is analyzed for the presence of an element by exposing it to radiation which causes the element to emit a characteristic radiation. Background radiation and the characteristic radiation are passed through a first filter which attenuates the characteristic radiation. The time required for a fixed amount of radiation to pass through the first filter is measured to establish a reference time. Radiation from the sample is then passed through a second filter which attenuates the characteristic radiation by an amount different from the first filter. The amount of radiation passing through the second filter is measured during a time interval substantially equal to the reference time. The difference between the two amounts of radiation indicates the amount of element in the sample and reduces errors due to samples of different composition and physical condition and due to variation of radiation intensity from the source.

Assignee:
Associated Metals and Minerals Corp
Patent Number(s):
US 4283625
OSTI ID:
5950545
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English