Variability of Crystal Performance in X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometers

Abstract

The intensity performance of various common XRF crystals (LiF200, Ge, PET and LSM) has been investigated under fixed experimental conditions. Measured were the raw intensities of elements particularly suitable to a given crystal, and peak-to-background ratios at different elemental concentrations. Peak profiles for each crystal type were also recorded and analysed in terms of apparent crystallite size and mosaic spread. In general the LiF crystals showed least variability in performance, whereas the PET crystals demonstrated the most.