Abstract
In conventional electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), the electron-induced X-rays are measured at large take-off angles of about 45°. In the grazing exit EPMA (GE-EPMA) method, they are measured at small angles (< 1°). X-rays emitted from deep positions can not be detected at grazing exit angles due to refraction effects at sample-vacuum interface; therefore, it is possible to measure X-rays emitted only from near the surface with a low background. GE-EPMA is especially suitable for the analysis of particles deposited on a flat sample carrier. The detection limits of GE-EPMA were investigated for artificial particles (Al2O3, Fe2O3 and PbO2, particle sizes: 1 ∼ 18 μm) deposited on flat sample carriers of Au thin films-Si wafers. The detection limits improved with decreasing exit angle. The detection limits for characteristic X-rays at an exit angle of approximately 1.1° were 2-4 times lower than at 45°. A minimum detection limit of ca. 0.1% was obtained for Al in small particles.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 357-360 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Mikrochimica Acta |
Volume | 132 |
Issue number | 2-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2000 Jan 1 |
Keywords
- Detection limit
- Electron probe microanalysis
- Grazing exit angle
- Particles
- X-ray analysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry