Optical Mirror with Passage Window for XRF Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray fluorescence analysis devices face challenges in achieving good spatial resolution and requiring longer measurement times due to full-surface carriers that reduce X-ray intensity and plastic supports that degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
An optical mirror with a passage window formed by a recess in the carrier covered with a thin, metalized plastic film, allowing X-rays to pass through while being opaque to optical radiation, enabling a compact design with minimal X-ray absorption and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-surface carrier is used to support the mirror, then the mirror structure is stable and complete, but the X-ray intensity is reduced and measurement times are longer
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented by introducing a recess (opening) in its surface, creating a passage window that allows X-rays to pass through. This segmentation reduces the blocking area of the carrier while maintaining the structural integrity of the mirror in the surrounding areas, thereby increasing X-ray transmission and reducing measurement times.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed with non-uniform structure: the recess area is removed or thinned to allow X-ray passage, while the surrounding areas maintain full coverage for mirror support. This local modification optimizes the balance between structural stability and X-ray transmission, improving productivity without compromising reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the optical mirror is placed close to the sample surface, then spatial resolution is improved, but the mirror may obstruct the X-ray beam or require a hole in the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented with a recess that creates a passage window, allowing the mirror to be positioned close to the sample without obstructing the X-ray beam. The recess strategically removes material only where the beam passes, enabling close positioning for high spatial resolution while avoiding beam obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat mirror surface to a three-dimensional structure with a recess (depth dimension). This dimensional change creates a passage window that allows X-rays to pass through the carrier at the mirror location, enabling close positioning without beam obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plastic support is used for the mirror, then the mirror can be lightweight and simple, but the plastic decomposes over time due to X-ray exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful plastic material is extracted or removed from the beam path by creating a recess in the carrier. The passage window eliminates the need for plastic support in the critical X-ray exposure area, preventing decomposition while maintaining the structural benefits of the carrier design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using durable but complex materials that resist X-ray degradation, the design accepts that plastic components near the beam path will have limited lifespan and plans for their replacement. The recess design minimizes plastic exposure to X-rays, extending practical lifespan while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 allows for lifelike control recordings at a small distance from the sample, maintaining high X-ray intensity and achieving a compact X-ray fluorescence device with improved spatial resolution and reduced measurement times.
Implementation Method 1
a film (22) which covers the recess (23) and forms the mirror layer... opaque to the optical radiation for capturing an image
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray source (10) for irradiating the sample with X-rays
Implementation Method 3
X-ray fluorescence analysis is based on the principle that irradiating a sample with polychromatic X-rays releases electrons from the inner shells of the atoms
Implementation Method 4
an X-ray detector (17) for measuring the X-ray fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an x-ray fluorescence analysis device, comprising an x-ray source (10) for irradiating a sample (15) with x-radiation (19), an x-ray detector (17) for measuring x-ray fluorescence radiation (16) emitted by the sample (15), and a camera (25) for producing an optical control image (26) of the irradiated measurement point (29) of a sample (15) by means of the optical mirror (20) arranged at an angle in the beam path of the x-ray source (10), which optical mirror comprises a carrier (21) having a mirror layer (28) provided on the carrier (21). In order to create an x-ray florescence device by means of which realistic control recordings of the sample to be analysed, in particular of the sampled surface point, are possible, the invention provides that the optical mirror (20) has a passage window (23) for the x-radiation (19), which is formed by an opening (23) in the carrier (21) and a foil (22) forming the mirror layer (28) and covering the opening (23) on an outer surface of the carrier (21).