X-ray Optical Filter for Trace Element Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laboratory-based XRF systems face challenges in detecting and quantifying trace elements due to background contributions from elastic and inelastic scattering, which reduce the signal-to-noise ratio and require expensive synchrotron facilities for high-resolution analysis.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray optical filter comprising at least one x-ray optical mirror configured for multilayer reflection or total external reflection to separate x-rays into reflected and non-reflected portions, forming an x-ray beam with reduced intensity in specific energy ranges, and an x-ray system with depth-graded multilayer coatings to reflect x-rays within desired energy ranges while transmitting others, thereby reducing background noise and maintaining fluorescence signal intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission filters are used to reduce background contributions, then background noise is reduced, but the x-ray fluorescence signal is also attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray energy spectrum into different energy ranges using multiple filters with different absorption edges. Each filter targets specific energy ranges, allowing selective reduction of background noise while preserving the fluorescence signal through coordinated filtering across multiple energy bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameters of the x-ray beam by using filters with specific absorption edges (e.g., Zn K-edge at 9.66 keV, Ga K-edge at 10.37 keV) to selectively attenuate background contributions at different energy levels while maintaining signal intensity through precise energy-range targeting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission filters are used to filter background, then background noise is reduced, but the energy range for effective filtering is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filters with different absorption edges (Zn, Ga, Ge, etc.) to create a composite filtering system that covers a broad energy range. This merging of multiple filtering functions allows simultaneous reduction of background noise across different energy bands that would individually be inaccessible to a single filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different energy ranges and background contribution types. Each filter serves multiple purposes: reducing elastic scattering, reducing Compton scattering, and preserving fluorescence signals across different elemental analysis requirements, making the system universally applicable to various trace element detection needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filters are used to reduce background, then background noise is reduced, but higher energy bremsstrahlung x-rays are also attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects filter materials and thicknesses to change the energy distribution parameters of the transmitted x-ray beam. By using filters with absorption edges strategically positioned below the fluorescence lines of interest, the system reduces background noise while preserving the higher energy bremsstrahlung continuum needed for exciting fluorescence lines.
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
The solution significantly reduces background contributions by up to 90% while maintaining the x-ray fluorescence signal, leading to faster data acquisition and improved sensitivity for trace element analysis, enabling more rapid and sensitive elemental mapping with sub-cellular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one x-ray optical mirror is configured to receive a plurality of x-rays having a first x-ray spectrum with a first intensity as a function of energy in a predetermined solid angle range and to separate at least some of the received x-rays by multilayer reflection or total external reflection into reflected x-rays and non-reflected x-rays
Implementation Method 2
The at least one x-ray optical mirror is configured to receive a plurality of x-rays having a first x-ray spectrum with a first intensity as a function of energy in a predetermined solid angle range and to separate at least some of the received x-rays by multilayer reflection or total external reflection into reflected x-rays and non-reflected x-rays
Implementation Method 3
The at least one depth-graded multilayer coating is configured to substantially reflect x-rays having energies in a first energy range and to not substantially reflect x-rays having energies in a second energy range that does not overlap the first energy range
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray optical filter includes at least one x-ray optical mirror configured to receive a plurality of x-rays having a first x-ray spectrum with a first intensity as a function of energy in a predetermined solid angle range and to separate at least some of the received x-rays by multilayer reflection or total external reflection into reflected x-rays and non-reflected x-rays and to form an x-ray beam including at least some of the reflected x-rays and/or at least some of the non-reflected x-rays. The x-ray beam has a second x-ray spectrum with a second intensity as a function of energy in the solid angle range, the second intensity greater than or equal to 50% of the first intensity across a first continuous energy range at least 3 keV wide, the second intensity less than or equal to 10% of the first intensity across a second continuous energy range at least 100 eV wide.