Compact X-ray fluorescence set-up

The Tandem Laboratory operates a compact, easy-to-handle and highly sensitive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) station for composition analysis without requiring vacuum. The system can be employed for analysis of a wide variety of samples, both organic and inorganic materials in solid or liquid form.

A silver anode is used to produce X-rays that excite the atoms in a sample. Upon deexcitation, the material emits radiation with wavelengths characteristic for the chemical elements present, which are then detected by a fast X-ray detector.

Both source and detector are mounted onto a frame made from low-atomic number material to minimise noise. The set-up is adjustable and can be optimised for the needs of a specific experiment.

XRF set-up in a cabinet. X-ray source, detector and sample holder are mounted to a Plexiglas frame. A laptop showing a measured spectrum is standing in the front. A laptop showing a measured spectrum is standing in the front.

Features

X-ray tube with tuneable silver anode: maximum voltage: 40 kV, maximum current: 200 µA.
Fast silicon drift detector (Amptek XR-100) with integrated signal processor.
Remote operation of both source and detector.