Trace Analysis Of Heavy Elements By X Ray Energy Spectroscopy

Trace analysis of heavy elements (Th and U) in the microgram to nanogram range is explored by x-ray energy spectroscopy. A focusing cathode electron gun, in conjunction with a newly constructed scattering chamber, is used to produce characteristic K x rays from thin metal foils. Characteristic K x rays are then used to produce characteristic L x rays of Th and U. De-excitation energies are measured by an intrinsic germanium detector. Using Pd foil, a beam current of 300 micro A and electron energies of 28 keV, detection of Th was achieved at 6.35 x 10 to the minus 8th power g. The above method will be applied to quantitative (trace) analysis of heavy elements in environmental media. Sensitivity of this x-ray energy spectroscopy system is compared to a previous system. (Author).