Use of Multiple Standards for Absorption Correction and Quantitation with Frieda

Abstract

AbstractThe computerized fluorescence radiation induced energy dispersive analyzer (FRIEDA) (1) described earlier uses an x-ray beam with a well defined energy for the excitation of fluorescence radiation, and an Si(Li) detector to measure the total x-ray spectra emitted. Such a system can also simultaneously provide supplemental data for the determination of the dry mass and the sample mass absorption which is necessary for accurate quantitation of the results. This instrumental capabillty has been utilized in the measurement of the trace elements iron, copper, and zinc in serum.Known amounts of two elements are thoroughly mixed with the sample. One element has a ‘high energy’ K line, the other a ‘low energy’ K line. The ratio of these intensities, in the absence of absorption, is a known constant and dependent only on the relative amounts of the respective elements, and on the energy of the exciting radiation. Whenever absorption is present, the ratio will change in a manner directly related to the mass absorption of the sample for these radiations.