Secondary X-ray Emission Research Articles

The Experimental Measurements of Total Mass Attenuation Coefficients in Arsenic Oxide

Measurements of K-shell mass attenuation coefficients are reported for the first time in Arsenic oxide (As2O3). Experiments are performed using Arsenic Oxide extended range HPGe detector. To achieve measurements at many small and regular energy intervals, secondary X-ray emission technique using “Seventeen Scatters” is employed. The results are in agreement with the proposed theoretical estimates. No evidence could, however be gained in favor of microscopic theories such as RRS and EXAFS, insofar as there are no energy points within a range of 100eV on either side of the K-edge.

Backward-propagating MeV electrons from 1018 W/cm2 laser interactions with water

We present an experimental study of the generation of ∼MeV electrons opposite to the direction of laser propagation following the relativistic interaction at normal incidence of a ∼3 mJ, 1018 W/cm2 short pulse laser with a flowing 30 μm diameter water column target. Faraday cup measurements record hundreds of pC charge accelerated to energies exceeding 120 keV, and energy-resolved measurements of secondary x-ray emissions reveal an x-ray spectrum peaking above 800 keV, which is significantly higher energy than previous studies with similar experimental conditions and more than five times the ∼110 keV ponderomotive energy scale for the laser. We show that the energetic x-rays generated in the experiment result from backward-going, high-energy electrons interacting with the focusing optic, and vacuum chamber walls with only a small component of x-ray emission emerging from the target itself. We also demonstrate that the high energy radiation can be suppressed through the attenuation of the nanosecond-scale pre-pulse. These results are supported by 2D particle-in-cell simulations of the laser-plasma interaction, which exhibit beam-like backward-propagating MeV electrons.

Deterioration of Pre-Hispanic Stucco Masks from the Archaeological Mayan Site of Edzná, Campeche, México

ABSTRACTThis contribution shows the results of a study carried out in order to determinate the deterioration mechanisms suffered by stucco masks from the important archaeological Mayan site of Edzná, Campeche, México; due to their long exposition to the tropical environment of the zone. Stratigraphic analysis of fragments from the masks containing pigments and surface neoformation products, were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to a secondary X-ray emission system. Crystalized salts mineral composition were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Also, during the study, environmental parameter like temperature and relative humidity were monitored in site. Results indicate that stuccos mineral matrix is formed by calcareous materials, covered by films with variable proportions of ferrous materials (red, ochre and yellow colors) and rich carbon content (black color). Compounds were associated to blue and green colors. Al these materials showed a high level of deterioration because of differential forces caused by stucco and deposits of environmental soluble salts during dissolution crystallization cycles caused by humidity differences between stucco and environmental as a consequence of their particular exposure conditions.

Laser generated 300 keV electron beams from water

Abstract300 keV electron beams with energy peaked in the range 280–390 keV were generated by focusing a high contrast ratio but temporally double pulsed 800 nm ultrafast laser onto a flowing water jet under both helium atmosphere at ambient pressure and water aspirator vacuum conditions, using laser intensities in the range 1015–1018 Wcm−2. Their characteristics have been investigated as functions of inter-pulse delay, incidence geometry and laser pulse chirp. Shot-to-shot variation of the beams' equatorial and azimuthal distributions was also recorded in real time. Measurements of the emitted charge and energy have been performed. Secondary X-ray emission arising from impingement of the electron beams on the target chamber walls and other parts of the apparatus have been identified. Preliminary results after transition to a high repetition rate laser system have shown similar behavior. Approaches for improvements and applications are suggested.

Confocal full-field X-ray microscope for novel three-dimensional X-ray imaging

A confocal full-field X-ray microscope has been developed for use as a novel three-dimensional X-ray imaging method. The system consists of an X-ray illuminating ;sheet-beam' whose beam shape is micrified only in one dimension, and an X-ray full-field microscope whose optical axis is normal to the illuminating sheet beam. An arbitral cross-sectional region of the object is irradiated by the sheet-beam, and secondary X-ray emission such as fluorescent X-rays from this region is imaged simultaneously using the full-field microscope. This system enables a virtual sliced image of a specimen to be obtained as a two-dimensional magnified image, and three-dimensional observation is available only by a linear translation of the object along the optical axis of the full-field microscope. A feasibility test has been carried out at beamline 37XU of SPring-8. Observation of the three-dimensional distribution of metallic inclusions in an artificial diamond was performed.

Cross-point coronal plasma dynamics in two- and four-wire x-pinches

Studies of the late time diode gap formation in two- and four-wire tungsten x-pinches using an 80kA, 50ns current pulse are presented. Quantitative measurements of the coronal plasma density are recovered using interferometry simultaneously with laser shadowgraphy. Axial expansion of the gap occurs at ∼106cm∕s for both two- and four-wire systems and is likely to be driven by an axial J×B force resulting from radial current flow in the plasma minidiode “electrodes.” Radial density profiles suggest repinching of the low density plasma occurs after the main pinch resulting in secondary x-ray emission peak >10ns after the first, which is recorded with a pair of pin diodes.

Study of increased radiation when an x-ray tube is placed in a strong magnetic field

When a fixed anode x-ray tube is placed in a magnetic field (B) that is parallel to the anode-cathode axis, the x-ray exposure increases with increasing B. It was hypothesized that the increase was caused by backscattered electrons which were constrained by B and reaccelerated by the electric field onto the x-ray tube target. We performed computer simulations and physical experiments to study the behavior of the backscattered electrons in a magnetic field, and their effects on the radiation output, x-ray spectrum, and off-focal radiation. A Monte Carlo program (EGS4) was used to generate the combined energy and angular distribution of the backscattered electrons. The electron trajectories were traced and their landing locations back on the anode were calculated. Radiation emission from each point was modeled with published data (IPEM Report 78), and thus the exposure rate and x-ray spectrum with the contribution of backscattered electrons could be predicted. The point spread function for a pencil beam of electrons was generated and then convolved with the density map of primary electrons incident on the anode as simulated with a finite element program (Opera-3d, Vector Fields, UK). The total spatial distribution of x-ray emission could then be calculated. Simulations showed that for an x-ray tube working at 65 kV, about 54% of the electrons incident on the target were backscattered. In a magnetic field of 0.5 T, although the exposure would be increased by 33%, only a small fraction of the backscattered electrons landed within the focal spot area. The x-ray spectrum was slightly shifted to lower energies and the half value layer (HVL) was reduced by about 6%. Measurements of the exposure rate, half value layer and focal spot distribution were acquired as functions of B. Good agreement was observed between experimental data and simulation results. The wide spatial distribution of secondary x-ray emission can degrade the MTF of the x-ray system at low spatial frequencies for B < 0.5 T.

Dielectronic recombination of hydrogen-like ions

Decay dynamics of dielectronic recombination (DR) processes of H-like titanium ions was investigated with an electron beam ion trap. In the DR of H-like ions a K-shell vacancy is available even after the decay of the doubly excited state produced by the recombination. Therefore secondary X-ray emission is possible. An observed X-ray spectrum of DR obtained in the present experiment was well reproduced theoretically by taking into account the secondary X-rays.

X‐Ray and Optical Observations of BL Hydri

We acquired hard X-ray and unfiltered optical photometric data of the AM Herculis system BL Hydri. The X-ray data were obtained using the Proportional Counter Array detector of the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite on 1997 October 17. The optical data were obtained using the 1.5 m telescope of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory on 1997 September 24. At the time of our observations, BL Hyi was in an unusual high-luminosity state with average visual magnitude mV ≈ 14.4 and orbital phase-averaged 2-10 keV X-ray flux ≈1.5 × 10-11 ergs cm-2 s-1, roughly 50% larger than had been seen previously. The X-ray light curves suggested that two accretion poles were active. The primary X-ray emission region was extended, covering ~45° in longitude on the white dwarf, while the secondary X-ray emission region was consistent with a point source with flux ~33% that of the primary region. The X-ray spectra were well fitted by absorbed bremsstrahlung with Gaussian emission-line models; and absorbed power law with Gaussian emission-line models. For the thermal models, the X-ray spectra were consistent with kTX ≈ 11 keV and an emission line at E ≈ 6.7-6.8 keV with equivalent width EW = 0.86-1.2 keV. The absorbed power-law models had slope α ≈ 2.1 and an emission line at E = 6.7-6.8 keV with EW = 1.1-1.5 keV. The optical data showed, 2.7% ± 0.2% rms quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) over the frequency range 0.2-0.8 Hz modulated strongly on the orbital period suggesting that the QPOs were connected with the dominant accretion hot spot. We did not find corresponding QPOs in the X-ray emission for an upper limit of 20% rms. There were no detections of other short-period QPOs or coherent features in either the optical or the X-ray data. The X-ray and optical data were consistent with a radiative shock model. Based primarily on the X-ray continuum and line spectrum, we infer that the mass of the white dwarf in the BL Hyi system is 0.3-0.7 M☉, depending on the relative cyclotron and hard X-ray luminosities.

On the secondary X-ray emission induced by electron irradiation in thin samples

On the secondary X-ray emission induced by electron irradiation in thin samples

The Mineral Composition of Intracellular Inclusions in Nematodes From Thiobiotic Mangrove Mud-Flats

Some marine nematodes from anoxic mangrove mud-flats contain densely packed intracellular inclusions within their tissues which are visible by light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy of sections of Sabatieria wieseri, Terschellingia longicaudata and Sphaerolaimus papillatus shows these inclusions within the intestinal and other cells. Energy dispersive analysis of secondary X-rays by scanning electron microscopy of thick epoxy sections shows concentrations of Si, P, S, K, Ca and Fe in their tissues. EDS of secondary X-ray emissions from thin epoxy unstained sections by transmission electron microscopy shows these elements together with Na, Zn and Al concentrated in the intracellular inclusions. The physiological implications of these observations are discussed.

Palaeomagnetism and magnetomineralogy of a Holocene lake sediment from Vågsøy, western Norway

Stable remanent directions encountered in three oriented lake-sediment cores, covering 6 m of gyttja deposits, reveal declination swings with amplitudes of the order of ± 50°. Anomalously low inclinations, scattered around the horizontal in the upper 2 m of core, is attributed to compressional disturbances of the alignment of magnetic grains during the coring procedure. Four 14C dates obtained (1250, 1940, 4600 and 6330 y B.P.) have enabled a correlation with features ‘c’–‘g’ of the British Geomagnetic Master Curve). For the older part of the curve, features ‘h’ and ‘i’, the correlation is questionable. Magneto-mineralogical parameters and qualitative chemical analysis of individual grains by secondary X-ray emission analysis reveal the presence of pure magnetite grains. Scanning electron micrographs show a dominant proportion of concoidal slightly elongated grains (10–80 μm). A few almost-perfect octahedral magnetite crystals can be related to outcrops of augen gneisses in the vicinity confirming a detrital origin of these grains.

Major- and trace-element composition of suspended matter in the north-east gulf of Alaska: Relationships with major sources

Seasonal variations of the distributions and chemical compositions of suspended particulate matter in the north-east Gulf of Alaska were studied during 1975–1976. Selected samples were analyzed for total suspended matter by gravimetry; particulate C and N by dry combustion gas chromatography; and particulate Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn by thin-film X-ray secondary emission spectrometry. The results showed that suspended material from the Copper River and the coastal streams which drain the Bering, Guyot, and Malaspina glaciers was carried westward along the coast and deposited in nearshore environments. However, near Kayak Island, significant quantities of suspended material of terrestrial origin were deflected to the south-west, past the edge of the outer shelf, by an anticyclonic gyre. The distribution patterns of the major and trace elements in the particulate matter and their elemental ratios with aluminum indicated that: K, Ti, Mn and Fe were primarily associated with aluminosilicate material and C and N with organic material in all samples; and Si, Ca, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn were primarily associated with aluminosilicate material in near-shore surface and near-bottom samples and with organic material in offshore surface samples. Only C, N, Ca, Cú and Zn showed significant seasonal variations which appeared to be related to biological production of organic matter.

Multiple Scattering and the Polarization of X-Rays

In order to improve the overall performance of energy dispersive x-ray secondary emission spectrometry one can make use of polarized x-rays. We have used polarized x-rays produced by 90° scattering to reduce the background intensity due to the primary x-ray source.An effort has been made to optimize the polarizing scatterer for the elements being analyzed. A discrepancy appears in the theory of such optimization between a simple one point formula and a more elaborate integral formula. Possible reasons for such disparities might lie in 1) collimator geometric effects, 2) multiple scattering and 3) actual primary intensity. The first problem has been dealt with in an unpublished manuscript. This report concerns itself with point 2, multiple scatter, and in particular with double scatter including polarization effects.

Quality Control Through Determination of Interelement Effects in Iron-Gadolinium-Yttrium Solutions Using X-Ray Secondary Emission

AbstractAn analytical quality control procedure using x-ray Secondary Emission Spectrometry has been developed to monitor iron, yttrium, and gadolinium metal ion ratios in feed stock solutions. Binary and ternary laboratory standard solutions were analyzed to determine absorption and enhancement effects using approaches suggested by Rasberry-Heinrich, Beattie-Brissey, and Claisse-Quintin. A computation scheme combining these methods is presented which enables the user to improve his ability to predict composition. This approach has yielded relative errors of less than 1.0% for each of the three metals studied.

A Comparison of Four Slit Apertures for Selected-Area Analysis with the X-Ray Secondary-Emission Spectrometer

AbstractFour types of slit apertures—vertical, horizontal, inclined, and sirtgle-edge—for selected-area analysis with commercial X-ray secondary-emission (fluorescence) spectrometers are described, evaluated, and compared. The vertical and single-edge slits already have been described by the writer and Rizzo. The other two are described here for the first time. The vertical and horizontal slits are secondarybeam apertures; the other two lie in both the primary and secondary beams. AH the slits are mounted on the specimen drawer. No further modification of the spectrometer is required except replacement of the soller collimators with open tunnels or simple slits, and replacement of the flat crystal with a fixed-radius curved crystal to increase sensitivity. The accessories are inexpensive and can be made in even a modest machine shop. They can be installed on or removed from the spectrometer in about 5 min. The accessories are applicable ordy to linear selected areas where composition varies in the direction normal to but not along the line, for example, linear inclusions and sections of plated surfaces, diffusion couples, and interfaces. The four slits were evaluated and compared for resolution, sensitivity, and spectral-line width. Techniques for use, advantages, limitations, and means for improvement are discussed for each of the slits. The horizontal slit is of little value, but each of the others has features which permit analysis of very narrow selected areas for which pinhole apertures would not be sufficiently sensitive. Slit widths as narrow as 0,00012 in. (0.003 mm) have been used in favorable cases. The inclined slit, used with a pulse-height analyzer, is probably the most useful of the four apertures, combining high sensitivity, high resolution, and narrow spectral-line width.

Semitheoretical Approach to Interelement Correction Factors in Secondary X-Ray Emission Analysis.

Semitheoretical Approach to Interelement Correction Factors in Secondary X-Ray Emission Analysis.

Evaluation and Application of an Improved Slit Probe for the X-Ray Secondary Emission Spectrometer

AbstractX-ray probe accessories for commercial flat-crystal X-ray secondary emission (fluorescence) spectrometers have consisted of pinhole apertures in the primary or secondary X-ray beam. The smaller the aperture the lower the intensity, and apertures having diameters less than approx. 0.1 mm are of real value only for relatively high concentrations of elements having intense spectral lines.There are two practical methods for increasing the intensity obtained with small apertures. One method is use of curved crystals ; it is applicable to any type of sample. The other method m use of a slit instead of a pinhole. It is limited to samples such as long linear inclusions ; sections of coated surfaces, diffusion couples, and metal-to-metal and metal-to-ceramic interfaces; and other layered structures where composition varies in a direction normal to the layers, but not along any one layer. The slit also has several other disadvantages that do not apply to the pinhole. However, when used with samples of the proper type, the slit has two outstanding advantages : Increased sensitivity and statistical precision are realized by replacing a pinhole of a given diameter with a slit of the same width ; alternatively, improved resolution is realized without loss of intensity by replacing the pinhole with a slit of smaller width. Moreover, the slit can be installed on a commercial X-ray spectrometer quickly and conveniently, and often allows useful X-ray probe work to be done on samples for which pinhole apertures would be inadequate.A slit probe of the type already described by the writer has been improved and evaluated on a General Electric X-ray spectrometer equipped with a curved crystal. The improved accessory has been applied to studies of several metal-tometal and metal-to-ceramic systems. Some of these studies are discussed in detail.