Fluorescent X-ray Analysis Apparatus Radial Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent X-ray analysis apparatuses face limitations in detection sensitivity and detection limit due to the attenuation of primary X-rays by filters and structural constraints, which restrict the proximity of the detector and X-ray source to the sample, leading to increased background noise and reduced intensity of fluorescent X-rays from trace heavy metals in light elements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a sample sealing member with a radial X-ray source and a detector positioned on the bottom face, allowing for a larger incident solid angle and a taper shape to minimize background noise, along with rotating filters and metal walls for optimized excitation and filtering, enabling improved peak-to-background ratios and increased X-ray intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a primary filter is inserted to improve the peak-back ratio, then the peak intensity of the fluorescent X-ray is improved, but the primary X-ray is attenuated and the intensity of the fluorescent X-ray entering the detector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a conventional planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration where the detector is positioned at the bottom of a sample holder and the X-ray source is positioned at the side, creating a radial irradiation geometry. This dimensional change allows the detector to receive fluorescent X-rays from a larger solid angle without being blocked by the primary filter, thus maintaining both high peak-back ratio and high fluorescent X-ray intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder acts as an intermediary structure that enables the detector to be positioned close to the sample without being blocked by the primary filter. The radial configuration of the sample holder allows fluorescent X-rays to reach the detector through the bottom of the holder, bypassing the filter that is positioned in the primary X-ray path.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the detector and X-ray source are approached to the measured sample to increase X-ray intensity, then the intensity of the fluorescent X-ray is improved, but the structural objects interrupt the approach and limit the distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar approach to a three-dimensional radial configuration. The detector is positioned at the bottom of the sample holder while the X-ray source is positioned at the side, allowing both components to approach the sample from different spatial dimensions without structural interference, thereby maximizing the intensity of fluorescent X-rays reaching the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is divided into distinct functional zones: the primary filter is positioned in the primary X-ray path, the sample is held in a radial configuration, and the detector is positioned at the bottom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without interfering with the others, enabling the detector and source to approach the sample closely despite structural constraints.
3Device complexity
If the detector and X-ray source are arranged opposed to the same plane on the surface of the measured sample, then the structure is simplified, but the distance for approaching is limited due to interruption of structural objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains structural simplicity while improving detection capability by moving the detector and X-ray source to different spatial dimensions. The detector is positioned at the bottom of the sample holder and the source at the side, creating a radial geometry that simplifies the overall structure while enabling closer approach to the sample and improving the detection limit through increased fluorescent X-ray intensity.
4Measurement precision
If measurement time is extended to improve detection limit, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radial configuration enables more efficient X-ray interaction with the sample, increasing the intensity of fluorescent X-rays reaching the detector. This enhanced signal intensity improves detection sensitivity, allowing for shorter measurement times while maintaining the same detection limit, thus improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the detection limit and sensitivity for trace heavy metals by increasing the intensity of fluorescent X-rays while reducing background noise, allowing for more efficient analysis and shorter measurement times.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source for generating a primary X-ray entering from the side wall of the sample sealing member in a radial pattern for X-irradiating the sample
Implementation Method 2
inducing the fluorescent X-ray from the measured sample, and measuring energy of this fluorescent X-ray and intensity of the X-ray
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a fluorescent X-ray analysis apparatus, whereby a peak-back ratio is improved by effectively exciting a focused element and a detection limit of the focused element is improved by decreasing a scattered X-ray to be a background. A sample housing has one or more wall surfaces made of a material through which an X-ray transmits and an X-ray source is arranged so that a primary X-ray is irradiated on the wall surface. In addition, the sample housing is arranged so that a wall surface different from a wall surface on which the primary X-ray is irradiated is opposed to an X-ray detector incident window. Further, the primary X-ray from the X-ray source is arranged so as to be able to irradiate the wall surface of the sample housing to which the X-ray detector incident window is opposed. The sample housing has a shape extending in response to extension of a viewing filed that a detection element in the X-ray detector is seen from the X-ray detector incident window. In addition, on the wall of the sample housing, a metal for secondarily exciting the focused element is arranged on an area other than an area through which the primary X-ray transmits and an area where the fluorescent X-ray from the focused element passes to the detector.