X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for High-Hydrogen Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray fluorescence spectrometers using the fundamental parameter method struggle to accurately analyze samples containing a large amount of hydrogen due to errors in measurement intensities of scattered X-rays, leading to inaccuracies in elemental composition analysis.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer that utilizes a combination of shorter-wavelength and longer-wavelength scattered X-rays, along with Compton and Thomson scattered X-rays, to solve simultaneous difference equations, recalculating elemental contents and atomic numbers through successive approximations to match theoretical and measured intensities, thereby improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Compton scattered X-rays and Thomson scattered X-rays of Rh-Kα are used to represent fluorescent X-rays for unmeasured elements, then the analysis can proceed with assumed hydrogen content and mean atomic number, but small errors in measured intensities of these scattered X-rays significantly affect the quantitative values of hydrogen content and mean atomic number, leading to increased errors in measured element contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unmeasured elements into two distinct groups: hydrogen (with assumed content) and other unmeasured elements (with assumed mean atomic number). This segmentation allows independent optimization of measurement approaches for each group, reducing the propagation of errors in quantitative analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by selecting scattered X-rays with specific wavelength ranges (0.05-0.075 nm and 0.11-0.23 nm) that are less sensitive to intensity measurement errors. This parameter optimization reduces the impact of small measurement errors on the calculated hydrogen content and mean atomic number.
2Ease of operation
If a single type of scattered X-ray is used for unmeasured elements, then the measurement process is simplified, but the accuracy of determining hydrogen content and mean atomic number decreases due to error propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines measurements of multiple types of scattered X-rays (Compton scattered X-rays and Thomson scattered X-rays) within specific wavelength ranges. This combination provides redundant information that compensates for measurement errors, improving the accuracy of hydrogen content and mean atomic number determination while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
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 spectrometer achieves precise analysis of samples with high hydrogen content by accurately determining elemental compositions and area densities, reducing errors associated with unmeasured elements.
Implementation Method 1
uses, in place of fluorescent X-rays, any one of Compton scattered X-rays of characteristic X-rays of primary X-rays
Implementation Method 2
Thomson scattered X-rays of the characteristic X-rays of the primary X-rays
Implementation Method 3
measure an intensity of fluorescent X-rays generated from each of elements in the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer according to the present invention includes a calculation unit (10) configured to calculate a content of each element in a sample (13) using an FP method, wherein the calculation unit (10) is configured to: in order to take into consideration an influence of unmeasured elements for which the fluorescent X-rays are not measured, use shorter-wavelength scattered X-rays of primary X-rays having a wavelength of 0.05 nm or more and 0.075 nm or less, and longer-wavelength scattered X-rays of the primary X-rays having a wavelength of 0.11 nm or more and 0.23 nm or less as scattered X-rays whose intensities are measured by a detection unit (9), assume a mean atomic number for elements other than hydrogen included in the unmeasured elements, and assume a content for hydrogen.