Detection apparatus for x-ray analysis, including semiconductor detectors having uncooled active areas

An apparatus for detecting substantially monochromatic fluorescent x-rays in a wavelength dispersive system in which source x-rays are directed toward a sample, comprising:

• a semiconductor-type x-ray detector having an uncooled detector active area, said active area for directly detecting said fluorescent x-rays;
• and
• means for focusing at least some of the x-ray fluorescence on the semiconductor-type x-ray detector,
• wherein the detector comprises a PIN-diode type x-ray detector, the detector active area having an area less than about 10 square millimeters.

A method for detecting substantially monochromatic fluorescent x-rays in a wavelength dispersive system, comprising:

• generating substantially divergent x-rays from an x-ray source;
• focusing said substantially divergent x-rays from the source toward a sample using a focusing x-ray optic;
• using a semiconductor-type x-ray detector having an uncooled detector active area, said active area for directly detecting said fluorescent x-rays;
• and
• focusing at least some of the x-ray fluorescence on the semiconductor-type x-ray detector.

A method for detecting substantially monochromatic fluorescent x-rays in a wavelength dispersive system, comprising:

• directing source energy toward a sample;
• using semiconductor-type x-ray detector having an uncooled detector active area, said active area for directly said fluorescent x-rays;
• and
• focusing at least some of the x-ray fluorescence on the semiconductor-type x-ray detector,
• wherein the detector comprises a PIN-diode type x-ray detector, the detector active area having an area less than about 10 square millimeters.

An apparatus for detecting substantially monochromatic fluorescent x-rays in a wavelength dispersive system, comprising:

• means for focusing substantially divergent x-rays from a source toward a sample using an x-ray optic;
• a semiconductor-type x-ray detector having an uncooled detector active area, said active area for directly detecting said fluorescent x-rays;
• and
• means for focusing at least some of the x-ray fluorescence on the semiconductor-type x-ray detector.