Background X-ray Spectrum of Radioactive Samples
An energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) is commonly used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the elemental compositions and microstructures of a variety of samples. For example, the microstructures of nuclear fuels are commonly investigated with this technique. However, the radioactivity of some materials introduces additional X-rays that contribute to the EDS background spectrum. These X-rays are generally not accounted for in spectral analysis software, and can cause misleading results. X-rays from internal conversion [1], Bremsstrahlung [2] radiation associated with alpha ionizations and beta particle interactions [3], and gamma rays from radioactive decay can all elevate the background of radioactive materials.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE - NE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC07-99ID-13727
- OSTI ID:
- 924507
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-08-13770; TRN: US0802902
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2008 American Nuclear Society Student Conference,College Station, TX,02/28/2008,03/01/2008
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BETA PARTICLES
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
DECAY
ELECTRON MICROSCOPES
INTERNAL CONVERSION
NUCLEAR FUELS
RADIATIONS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVITY
X-RAY SPECTROMETERS
Radioactive materials
Scanning electron microscopy
X-ray spectroscopy