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X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS APPLIED TO SMALL SAMPLES

Conference ·
OSTI ID:991741
We describe an adaptation of photon excited x-ray fluorescence analysis which is optimized for the analysis of small samples. A fine focus x-ray tube is used in conjunction with small diameter detector collimators in order to focus on a small sample volume with as high sensitivity as possible. Sample areas of less than 1 mm diameter can be analyzed with ppm detectability. In applications involving the analysis of human hair samples, a minimum detectable limit of 10 ppm Hg can be realized in a 1 mm long segment of a single hair in a counting time of 200 seconds. Simultaneous measurements of the sample mass can be obtained from the intensity of the incoherent scattering. An automated x-ray fluorescence analysis system using the technique for the scanning of elemental profiles in such hair samples will be described.
Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
Environment, Health& Safety Division
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
991741
Report Number(s):
LBL-6451
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English