EDXRF with an audio digitizer

We utilized an audio digitizer in energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) with a silicon drift detector and achieved a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 178 eV at Mn Kα (92‐µs peaking time). To confirm the ability of EDXRF with an audio digitizer, we also examined energy versus channel number linearity and output count rate. We applied it to EDXRF analysis of (ZnCd)S : Ag and showed a proper energy versus channel number linearity from 5.9 keV (Mn Kα) to 26.1 keV (Cd Kβ). And, the maximum output count rate of more than 10 kcps was obtained with 23‐µs peaking time (296‐eV FWHM). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Review of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence on food elements detection

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is a physical rapid detection method to analyze the types of elements through the energy characteristics of fluorescent X-ray particles. When applied to the detection of food element content, it not only needs simple sample pretreatment but also the element measurement time generally does not exceed 10 min to have the accuracy of μg/g, which can greatly reduce the time and cost of detection. Due to the limitations of the EDXRF instrument and measurement mechanism, it has low sensitivity to light elements in food, and the detection sensitivity varies with elements in food element analysis. For example, the detection sensitivity of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and other elements concerned by people is not high when the content is low, and the measurement accuracy is extremely dependent on the detector resolution. However, with the improvement of detector performance and algorithm optimization of EDXRF, the detection limit of this technology can reach 0.1 μg/g, the detection of trace elements has also been improved, which has made a new breakthrough in the field of food element detection. Therefore, this paper reviews that in recent 20 years, in order to overcome the various difficulties of EDXRF in food detection, the hardware optimization of EDXRF (For example, the development of an analyzer without sample preparation can greatly reduce the time required for the detection of food elements, and a series of instruments combined with EDXRF and cluster capillary technology can greatly improve the excitation efficiency of lighter elements in food. The spectrometer with a high-resolution detector can improve the detection accuracy of target elements with low content in food) and in order to solve the problem of spectrum resolution in food detection, (For example, the wavelet transform method which has good performance in spectrum smoothing, identifying weak peaks and maintaining peak shape is applied to EDXRF spectrum resolution, which can better solve the problem that the X-ray characteristic peaks of elements with a low atomic number in food are submerged) the reform and innovation of spectrum resolution methods are introduced. This paper summarizes and analyzes the representative application examples of EDXRF in food safety detection, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of EDXRF compared with other rapid detection or food detection methods in different situations, concludes its application conditions, and discusses the application prospect of EDXRF technology in the field of food detection.     

A gas‐filled electroluminescence detector for EDXRF Spectrometry

The design and features of a sealed‐off proportional scintillation gas‐filled detector (GSPC) are described. The use of a 50 µm Be window and an Xe‐based gas mixture provides high efficiency of registration in the range 1.5–25 keV. The energy resolution changes from 18% for Al Kα (1.49 keV) to 4.2% for Ag Kα (22.2 keV). When the count rate on the unit output is 5 × 10⁴ s^?1, the energy resolution at the Mn Kα line does not exceed 9% at an entrance window area near 3 cm 2 . The detector is operated at room temperature and does not require maintenance during operation. The service life of the detector is over 5 years and the radiation lifetime is practically unlimited. The detector is designed for use in EDXRF spectrometers instead of gas‐filled proportional counters. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical and experimental investigation of negative index fishnet metamaterial multilayers in the Q-band

We investigate the electromagnetic properties of stacked metamaterial layers composed of modified fishnet structures at around 40?GHz. The designed planar multilayer exhibits theoretically high transmission of ?0.5?dB, low reflection, and a large negative index bandwidth with a record figure of merit higher than 36 at 38.5?GHz. Good agreement between simulation and measurement results is observed. We also verify experimentally the resolution of the negative index metamaterial stack and the focusing ability of the plano-concave lens configuration.     

Si-PIN与CdTe探测器应用于X射线荧光能谱测量的研究

半导体探测器具有优异的性能因而被广泛应用于能量色散X射线荧光测量,以传统型Si-PIN半导体探测器与复合型CdTe半导体探测器为研究对象,分别从材料属性、探测效率、能量分辨率等方面对两种探测器进行对比,重点分析探测器灵敏区厚度、入射X射线能量、后级电路成型时间等因素对其性能的影响,并对由逃逸峰、空穴拖尾效应所导致的X射线荧光能谱的差异进行分析;同时,针对探测器空穴收集不完全的问题,基于FPGA设计了带有上升时间甄别功能的数字多道脉冲幅度分析器,能够有效消除空穴拖尾的影响,提高能量分辨率。从实验结果可知:对能量低于15keV的射线,Si-PIN与CdTe探测器的探测效率基本相当;对能量大于15keV的射线,CdTe探测器的的探测效率明显占优;Si-PIN探测器的最佳成形时间约为10μs,CdTe探测器的最佳成形时间约为2.6μs,因而CdTe探测器更适用于高计数率条件;对于不同能量的X射线,Si-PIN探测器的能量分辨率优于CdTe探测器;CdTe探测器具有明显的空穴拖尾效应,将CdTe探测器与带上升时间甄别功能的数字多道脉冲幅度分析器配合使用,其能量分辨率显著提高。     

Combining CdTe and Si detectors for Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence

Most energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) instruments use Si diodes as X‐ray detectors. These provide very high energy resolution, but their sensitivity falls off at energies of 10–20 keV. They are well suited for measuring the K lines of elements with Z < 40, but for heavier elements, one must use K lines at low efficiency or use L or M lines that often overlap other lines. Either is a challenge for accurate quantitative analysis. CdTe detectors offer much higher efficiency at high energy but poorer energy resolution compared with Si diodes. In many important EDXRF measurements, both high and low Z elements are present. In this paper, we will compare the precision and accuracy of systems using the following: (1) a high resolution Si detector, (2) a high efficiency CdTe detector, and (3) a composite system using both detectors. We will show that CdTe detectors generally offer better analytical results than even a high resolution silicon drift detectors for K lines greater than 20 or 25 keV, whereas the high resolution Si detectors are much better at lower energies. We will also show the advantages of a combined system, using both detectors. Although a combined system would be more expensive, the increased accuracy, precision, and throughput will often outweigh the small increase in cost and complexity. The systems will be compared for representative applications that include both high and low Z elements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Specification of infrared detectors and arrays

The possibility is examined of defining a figure of merit covering the widest possible range of infrared detectors and detector arrays. It is concluded that the best figure of merit which can be found is a generalisation of D^*, but that so broadly based a figure of merit is of limited value.     

能量色散X荧光分析中元素间效应的蒙特卡罗模拟

针对能量色散X荧光分析(EDXRF)技术中元素间效应实验研究的难点问题,采用蒙特卡罗方法对基于Si（PIN）探测器的EDXRF系统建立模拟模型,并对模拟微束软X射线注量谱建立了高斯展宽算法。对Fe-Ni样品进行模拟计算,表明经该算法展宽后的注量谱与实测K系特征X射线谱吻合度较高,并得到了各元素特征X射线归一计数与元素含量关系曲线,结果表明该方法可自行校正EDXRF中元素间效应,获得准确的元素K系特征X射线谱理论强度。     

Cluster growth in particle-conserving cellular automata

A class of simple two-dimensional cellular automata with particle conservation is proposed for easy simulations of interacting particle systems. The automata are defined by the exchange of states of neighboring cells, depending on the configurations around the cells. By attributing an energy to a configuration of cells, we can select significant rules from the huge number of possible rules and classify them into several groups, based on the analogy with a binary alloy. By numerical calculations, cluster growth is found in two kinds of phases which reveal gas-solid coexistence and liquid droplets. Normalized scaling functions are obtained, and dynamical scaling is examined.     

Optimum design for maximum wavelength resolution for an edge filter-based ratiometric system

This paper provides a straightforward design method for achieving a maximum wavelength resolution for an edge filter-based ratiometric system. An analysis of the influence of a range of factors on the resolution of the ratiometric wavelength measurement system was carried out. The investigation shows that, for a given input optical signal and when the working wavelength range is known, it is relatively straightforward to select an optimum slope for the edge filter that will yield a maximum resolution for the system. An experimental verification is carried out using a tunable laser and three macrobending fibre edge filters, with a good match between experimental and simulation results.     

Figure of merit for near-velocity-matched traveling-wave modulators

We derive a relationship between the bandwidth and active length and a figure of merit for velocity- and near-velocity-matched lithium niobate traveling-wave electro-optic modulators. The figure of merit is given by the bandwidth per unit drive voltage squared and is independent of the length of the device. Alternatively, this figure of merit can be described by its inverse, which is proportional to the device's switching energy.     

A Simple X-ray Spectrometer and PC-based Data Acquisition System for Newly Developed X-ray Source Based on Laser Compton Scattering

A simple X-ray spectrometer and a PC-Based Data Acquisition System(DAS) have been developed newly in Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics(SINAP),Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) for the measurement of the X-ray source generated using laser Compton scattering.The system consists of liquid nitrogen cooled high resolution Si(Li) detector,electronics and a DAQ.The Si(Li) detector was designed and made by Center of Advanced Instruments in SINAP,CAS,it allows us to measure X-rays with the energy up to 60 keV and the energy resolution(FWHM) of 184 eV at 5.9 keV.We measured the system uncertainty was 0.2 eV and time drifting of detector was 0.05% both at 5.9 keV.The DAQ was based on Object-Oriented software LabVIEW 7.1,it has data on-line analysis and original data saved functions.     

Single-shot dual-energy x-ray imaging with a flat-panel sandwich detector for preclinical imaging

We describe a multi-layer (“sandwich”) configuration detector consisting of two x-ray imaging flat-panel detectors for single-shot (single-kV) dual-energy imaging. An intermediate copper filter is used to increase spectral separation between the two detectors to improve contrast at the expense of image noise. Monte Carlo and cascaded-systems analyses of the signal and noise performance are described that quantify performance characteristics. Image quality of dual-energy images obtained from a prototype sandwich-detector system is evaluated using a figure of merit (FOM), defined as the squared contrast-to-noise ratio normalized by x-ray exposure for a mouse phantom for preclinical imaging. Demonstration dual-energy bone and soft-tissues images of a postmortem mouse are obtained using the prototype system. While the FOM with the single-shot detector is lower than that achieved using a conventional dual-shot (dual-kV) method, the single-shot approach may be preferable when imaging speed or insensitivity to motion artifacts is a primary concern.     

一种实用化实时测温系统的优化设计

基于基尔霍夫定律，利用半导体激光器及钽酸锂热释电探测器设计了一种实用化的实时测温系统。依照测温系统各主要技术指标(温度分辨力、温度的标准偏差及测温范围)与各主要技术参量(激光光源的能量、波长、放大器的带宽及光学系统的相对孔径等)之间的关系，对实时测温系统的各主要参量(激光光源的能量、光学系统的相对孔径及放大器的带宽)进行了优化设计。实验表明，在测温范围673～1473K内，温度测量的不确定度优于0．3％，分辨力优于0．4K，均符合设计要求。     

Thermoelectric efficiency enhanced in a quantum dot with polarization leads,spin-flip and external magnetic field

We theoretically study the thermoelectric transport properties in a quantum dot system with two ferromagnetic leads, the spin-flip scattering and the external magnetic field. The results show that the spin polarization of the leads strongly influences thermoelectric coefficients of the device. For the parallel configuration the peak of figure of merit increases with the increase of polarization strength and non-collinear configuration trends to destroy the improvement of figure of merit induced by lead polarization. While the modulation of the spin-flip scattering on the figure of merit is effective only in the absence of external magnetic field or small magnetic field. In terms of improving the thermoelectric efficiency, the external magnetic field plays a more important role than spin-flip scattering. The thermoelectric efficiency can be significantly enhanced by the magnetic field for a given spin-flip scattering strength.     

利用激光并采用热释电探测器的实时测温系统的灵敏度

在介绍一种利用 In Ga As/I半导体激光器并采用钽酸锂 ( L i Ta O3)热释电探测器实时测温系统的基础上 ,着重分析了在该系统测量中和在高温度时的极限灵敏度 ,并导出了该系统极限灵敏度的数学表达式。给合其温度的测量误差 ,分析了系统的工作波长、被测温度、放大器带宽以及光学系统的相对孔径对极限灵敏度的影响 ,并进行了计算机模拟 ,得到了一系列有意义的结论     

金纳米旋转椭球的折射率传感特性分析与优化

对于金纳米颗粒在化学和生物传感中的应用,找到具有高品质因子的金纳米颗粒形状是近年来的研究热点。基于T矩阵方法和介电函数的尺寸修正模型,本文从理论上定量研究了金纳米旋转椭球的尺寸对其折射率灵敏度、半峰宽以及品质因子的影响。为了获得最佳传感性能,对品质因子进行了优化,并得到了最优的颗粒尺寸参数。结果发现,短半轴为11 nm和长半轴为49 nm的金纳米旋转椭球具有最大品质因子6.76。优化后的金纳米旋转椭球可以作为理想的化学和生物传感器。本研究为金纳米旋转椭球在化学和生物传感的应用中提供重要的理论依据。     

Evaluation of the UFXC32k photon‐counting detector for pump–probe experiments using synchrotron radiation

This paper presents the performance of a single‐photon‐counting hybrid pixel X‐ray detector with synchrotron radiation. The camera was evaluated with respect to time‐resolved experiments, namely pump–probe–probe experiments held at SOLEIL. The UFXC camera shows very good energy resolution of around 1.5 keV and allows the minimum threshold setting to be as low as 3 keV keeping the high‐count‐rate capabilities. Measurements of a synchrotron characteristic filling mode prove the proper separation of an isolated bunch of photons and the usability of the detector in time‐resolved experiments.     

Scintillation and optical behavior of GaN nanowires in the presence of low-energy X-ray photons: A Geant4 simulation

GaN nanowires were studied as a possible candidate for use in the future development of X-ray scintillator detectors with high spatial resolution using a Monte Carlo simulation. The assessment was performed from the optical response perspective. The ability of such a nanowire to act as scintillating fibers was simulated using Geant4 code. The optimal dimensions of the nanowire (considering practical limitations) to achieve the best optical guiding effect were also determined. Moreover, the energy response of the nanowire was investigated for the design of a suitable external photodetector. To more accurately study the proposed structure, a scintillating screen containing approximately 2,000,000 nanowires was simulated in a porous anodized alumina membrane (PAAM) with a hexagonal arrangement. Using these specifications, the spatial resolution and efficiency of the detector were precisely calculated. The results showed that the spatial resolution and efficiency of the detector were <1 μm and ∼17%, respectively.     

Superconducting tunnel junctions as detectors for high‐resolution x‐ray spectroscopy

Superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) are a type of cryogenic detector with a working temperature of about 100 mK. They allow the combination of low energy threshold, high quantum efficiency and good count rate capability with an excellent energy resolution; at an x‐ray energy of 5.9 keV an energy resolution of 10.8 eV (FWHM) has been achieved. The detector system described is based on STJs which consist of two superconducting Al electrodes separated by a thin dielectric tunnel barrier. The tunneling process of quasi‐particles created by deposition of energy in the electrodes leads to a detectable current signal. The STJ is equipped with a superconducting Pb absorber which is read out via phonons. The Pb absorber increases absorption efficiency (～50% at 6 keV) and suppresses detector artefacts. The degeneration of Pb, most probably due to oxidation, is overcome by the introduction of a protective SiO layer on top of the absorber. This layer leads to a slight reduction of energy resolution. Nevertheless, a resolution of 9.7 eV at 1.7 keV and of ～20 eV at 5.9 keV could be realized with a prototype detector. Currently this STJ‐based detector system is being incorporated into a prototype cryogenic spectrometer for XRF analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.