X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer Collimator Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray fluorescence analysis, spatially non-uniform X-ray intensity leads to incomplete analysis of samples with non-uniformly distributed elements, necessitating uniform attenuation of X-rays.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray fluorescence analyzer with a collimator having a transmission region that increases in circumference from a vertex positioned on the axis of rotation, allowing for uniform X-ray attenuation through rotation of the sample and collimator, combined with an intensity control unit to prevent signal saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collimator is used to attenuate X-rays to prevent detection signal saturation, then the detection signal saturation is prevented, but the X-ray intensity becomes spatially non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is rotated about its axis during X-ray irradiation, transforming a static non-uniform attenuation structure into a dynamic system that achieves uniform attenuation over time. The rotation allows different angular sections of the collimator to sequentially attenuate X-rays to various parts of the sample, resulting in spatially uniform effective attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator performs periodic rotation during the X-ray irradiation process. This periodic motion ensures that each region of the sample receives X-rays that have been attenuated by different portions of the collimator at different times, achieving uniform attenuation distribution through repeated cyclic action.
2Reliability
If the intensity of X-rays emitted by the X-ray source is minimized to prevent detection signal saturation, then detection signal saturation is prevented, but the number of detected photons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply minimizing X-ray intensity, the system changes the attenuation parameter distribution by rotating the collimator. This allows the use of higher overall X-ray intensity while maintaining uniform attenuation, thereby increasing the number of detected photons while preventing saturation.
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
Ensures spatially uniform X-ray attenuation and prevents detection signal saturation, enabling accurate analysis of samples with varying compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The collimator is a plate-like member having an opening and attenuates the X-rays emitted to a sample by blocking a part of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source
Implementation Method 2
a sample is irradiated with X-rays from an X-ray source to excite the sample, so that fluorescent X-rays are released from the sample
Implementation Method 3
The number of photons per hour (hereinafter simply referred to as the 'number of photons') of the fluorescent X-rays released from the sample is detected by a detector
Data Source
AI summary
A support unit and a collimator are relatively rotated about the axis of rotation by a rotation driving device. The collimator has a blocking region that blocks X-rays and a transmission region that allows X-rays to pass therethrough. The transmission region has a vertex positioned on the axis of rotation, and the circumferential length of the transmission region increases proportionally as it advances outward from the vertex. A sample supported by the support unit is irradiated with X-rays by an X-ray source through the transmission region of the collimator, and the fluorescent X-rays from the sample are detected by the detector. The analysis of a composition of a sample is performed based on the fluorescent X-rays detected by the detector.