Improved detection limits in energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis, using polarized x rays
Polarized x-radiation is shown to be a superior and practical excitation source for measuring trace elements by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence. In this study, polarization was obtained by scattering the primary beam at 90/sup 0/ from boron carbide. The losses inherent in the geometric requirements and the polarizer efficiency can be more than compensated for by using a close-coupled system and a standard, high-power x-ray tube. With the system described here, which uses a molybdenum anode x-ray tube, detection limits for the elements from K to Sr in NBS Standard Orchard Leaves are approximately 2 to 4.5 times lower using polarized excitation as compared to direct excitation, and about 1 to 3 times lower as compared to secondary excitation.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 7234663
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-78063(Rev.1); CONF-760857-2; TRN: 77-005776
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 25. annual x-ray conference, Denver, CO, USA, 3 Aug 1976
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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