Quantitative X‐ray spectrometric analyses with a cold cathode tube attachment

Abstract

AbstractA CGR cold cathode tube for X‐ray anlysis of very light elements has been attached to a sequential Siemens XRF spectrometer. Economic consideraions justify a rapid changeover attachment rather than the purchase of a separate spectrometer which can be applied to a few elements. The essential conceppts developed for successful integration of the attachment with the spectrometer are described. An automic activated alumina trap system to remove backstreaming oil vapours was incorporated with the existing vacuum logic. The current stabilization circuit of the generator was redesigned in order to acheive quantitative analyses. The developed attachment has competitive applicability to the quantitative analyses of magnesium and lighter elements. For magnesium the cold cathode tube achieves a large deduction in both matrix absorption effects and high order spectral interferences when compared with a typical chromium tube.