Optimal X-ray filters for EDXRF analysis

Abstract

This work presents a semi-analytical approach to answer the question of optimal beam filtering in the case of EDXRF measurements with an X-ray tube. A collection of programs, called xfilter, is presented that is capable to find the optimal filter material, the optimal filter thickness, and the optimal scattering angle, for all possible combinations of trace elements, target materials, and tube voltages. The concepts of the calculations are introduced in a general manner and demonstrated with a specific example, the detection of gold K α1 XRF within human tissue. Comparing the calculation results and an EDXRF measurement shows excellent agreement.

Optimization of parameters for portable X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence combined analysis device (P-XRDF-CAD)

“…Previous research and software tools primarily focus on evaluating the filtering effect of these filters, neglecting the fact that primary X-rays can excite fluorescence radiation in the filter. Maier optimized the design of filters in energy-dispersive XRF analysis by using secondary filters to filter out fluorescence radiation from the primary filter [13]. However, the implementation of multiple filtering steps can potentially lead to a reduction in X-ray intensity.…”