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Secondary fluorescence effects on x-ray microanalysis

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6222483

Secondary fluorescence by backscattered electrons and x rays produced by the interaction of the electron probe with the specimen has been shown to lead to significant errors in energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) performed in an analytical electron microscope (AEM). Although such fluorescence effects have been discussed by many authors, there has never been a clear demonstration of the importance of accounting for secondary fluorescence in quantitative x-ray microanalysis. The present experiments were performed to assess quantitatively the suspected influence of secondary fluorescence effects on EDS analyses of intergranular phase in TiB/sub 2/-Ni ceramics. Experiments demonstrated that secondary fluorescence can produce errors of up to 10% in compositions determined by x-ray microanalysis in an AEM. Secondary fluorescence effects increase as the specimen in tilted to greater angles. Preliminary analyses of P/B ratios indicate that backscattered electrons are more likely responsible for secondary fluorescence than high energy x rays. 6 references, 3 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6222483
Report Number(s):
CONF-840767-15; ON: DE85005565
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English