X-ray fluorescence combined with laser induced photon spectroscopy
AssigneeNiton Corporation
InventorsLee Grodzins, Hal Grodzins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device and method for identifying the composition of a target sample. The target sample may be a matrix such as a metal alloy, a soil sample, or a work of art. The device includes an x-ray fluorescence detector that produces an x-ray signal output in response to the target sample. The device also includes an optical spectroscope that produces an optical signal output in response to the target sample. Further, a processor is included that analyzes and combines the x-ray signal output and the optical signal output to determine the composition of the test material. In one embodiment, the optical spectroscope is a laser induced photon fluorescence detector.
Claims14
A device for identifying the elemental composition of a target sample, the device comprising:
- an x-ray fluorescence detector producing an x-ray signal output in response to the target sample emitting fluoresced x-rays upon being exposed to a radiation source;
- an optical spectroscope producing an optical signal output in response to the target sample emitting an optical emission upon being exposed to a plasma creating laser;
- and
- a processor for analyzing the x-ray signal output and the optical signal output to determine the elements of the target sample, based in part on relative-concentration of elements determined from the optical signal based in part on relative concentration of elements determined from the optical signal.
A method for determining the elemental composition of a test material, the method comprising:
- measuring a concentration of a first element of the test material using x-ray fluorescence analysis;
- measuring a concentration of a second element relative to the first element using laser induced photon spectroscopy analysis;
- determining in a processor the concentration of the second element based upon the concentration of the first element and the concentration of the second element relative to the first element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.