Application of the backscatter fundamental parameter method for in situ element determination using a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer

Abstract

The backscatter fundamental parameter (BFP) algorithm was adapted and modified for the use with a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer system. The method utilizes coherently and incoherently scattered peaks of primary radiation to estimate the ‘dark matrix’ of the analysed sample. A so‐called ‘full fundamental parameter’ model was implemented in the algorithm, allowing a simple calibration of the method using only one standard sample. To improve the accuracy of the method, the differential mass scattering cross‐sections were used. The algorithm also takes into account the secondary excitation effects. The method was applied to element determinations in various matrices with minimum sample preparation. It was tested in the laboratory with homogeneous samples prepared from standard reference materials and was also successfully applied to in situ element determinations in soil. The analyses were performed using a portable XRF spectrometer equipped with a 109Cd radioisotope source and an Si‐PIN photodiode detector. The BFP algorithm was found to perform well for the analysis of loose powder samples containing an unknown fraction of ‘dark matrix,’ and therefore it is regarded as suitable for in situ element determinations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantification in X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

“…Nielson (Nielson, 1977) proposed the backscattered fundamental parameter method which utilizes incoherently and coherently scattered radiations to choose and determine quantities of two light elements representative of the 'dark matrix.' To improve the accuracy of the analysis, Węgrzynek et al applied differential scattering cross sections instead of total scattering cross sections (Węgrzynek et al, 2003a). Another strategy is the use of average atomic number (e.g.…”

Energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence analysis of modern coloured glasses from Marinha Grande (Portugal)

“…Spectra were collected by a multichannel analyser and net peak intensities were calculated with Quantitative X-ray Analysis System (QXAS) 5 software. Elemental concentrations were obtained with the Scatman Fundamental Parameters program 6 . Statistical analysis of the elemental concentrations obtained was carried out with Statistica software (v.5.1).…”

Determination of effective atomic numbers and mass attenuation coefficients of samples using in‐situ energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis

“…In 1977, Nielson firstly proposed the back scatter fundamental parameter algorithm that used two elements of low or high atomic number, respectively, to characterize the dark matrix by the coherence and Compton scattering of primary radiation. [5,6] Singh et al [7] measured the coherence and Compton scattering of 145 keV γ-rays and determined the relationship between Z eff and R. Baltasa et al used γ-rays of different energy to determine Z eff and μ/ρ of MgB 2.…”