X-Ray Analysis

There are several types of analytical X-ray systems, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), XAFS, XPS (ESCA), SAXS, and EPMA. X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) includes energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX), which are used to irradiate X-rays on a sample to determine the elements that make up the sample and their content. Different elements have different wavelengths of X-rays, so when a sample is irradiated with X-rays, X-rays with various wavelengths (energies) are returned.

In wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-rays of different wavelengths change the diffraction angle, so when X-rays are irradiated onto a spectroscopic crystal, they are resolved by wavelength. The fluorescent X-rays bounced back from the sample are injected into the monochromator crystal for spectroscopy in the same way that visible light is spectrally divided by a prism, and the intensity of the X-rays at each wavelength is measured by a detector. In energy dispersive X-ray analysis, fluorescent X-rays are received by a semiconductor detector, and the signal is processed to measure the X-ray intensity at each wavelength. Both of these methods use an X-ray tube and require a filament power supply for hot electron generation and a power supply for X-ray acceleration voltage.

There are various methods of generating X-rays, including anode-grounded and cathode-grounded types; cathode-grounded X-rays are often used for XRF and anode-grounded X-rays for XRD. Analytical X-rays, unlike NDT X-rays, do not require much acceleration voltage. Therefore, the voltage can be up to 60 kV, but the light intensity (brightness) may be required. In this case, an X-ray tube of several kW is used, and it is water-cooled to prevent overheating of the tube. The detectors built into the equipment may also require a power supply system of several hundred V to several kV.

WismanPrecision supplies all the power supplies for X-ray tubes, X-ray generating units, and detectors.

Related words:

X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) X-ray diffractometer (XRD) Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) Wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX) Filament power supply Acceleration voltage Anode grounding Cathode grounding Detector