> >From a link below:
>=20
> XRF, or X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry, is a powerful tool for analyzing=
 the
> elemental composition of unknown materials. Miniature X-Ray tubes and PIN=
 diode
> detectors have enabled this lab technology to leave the lab in the form o=
f portable
> analyzers. Niton, recently acquired by Thermo Electron, is the industry l=
eader in
> portable XRF.
>=20
> All portable XRF analyzers do the same basic task. They emit low-level X-=
Rays
> focused on a sample of interest, and examine the spectra of even softer X=
-Rays
> emitted by the sample atoms. Using an onboard library of spectral pattern=
s for
> elements, the analyzers identify the element by the energy, and measure t=
he quantity
> by the intensity.

There are periodic items on the TV in the UK, where somebody is wandering p=
laces like Cornish Tin Mines with one of these devices, analysing the trace=
 elements to see if it is viable to reopen the mine in this climate of risi=
ng prices.

It is also somewhat like the instruments we developed to fly around the moo=
n for the "Smart 1" and "Chandarayaan 1" missions, except there we used the=
 X-rays from the sun to excite the minerals, and looked for the resultant m=
ineral signature x-rays. Had the advantage that the sun is a broad band X-r=
ay source, where anything we generate has to be swept in energy to properly=
 excite the minerals.


--=20
Scanned by iCritical.

--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.