X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with synchrotron radiation

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (x.r.f.) can be done through excitation with synchrotron radiation. This permits multi-element determinations in the trace region with improved detection limits compared to conventional x.r.f. Detection limits are evaluated and compared with theoretically calculated values. For a beam diameter of 0.5 mm and a sample of 1 mg cm^?2, absolute detection limits are between 0.1 and 0.4 pg. The dependence of the detection limit on the atomic number is reduced, when white synchrotron radiation is used for excitation instead of monochromatic radiation. The optimum of the limit of detection on the Z-scale can be shifted to higher atomic numbers and improved through filtration of the primary radiation by aluminium absorbers. Preparation of samples on different polymeric films is discussed in relation to blank values.     

Angle-resolved X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using synchrotron radiation at ELSA

Measurements on the centroid depth of ion-implanted phosphorus-in-silicon specimen by the method of angle-resolved, self-ratio X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (AR/SR/XFS) have been carried out using white synchrotron radiation (SR). The measurements were performed using a modified wavelength-dispersive fluorescence spectrometer. Problems due to the use of SR, like carbonaceous specimen contamination and sample heating were overcome by flooding the specimen chamber with helium and by pre-absorbing the non-exciting parts of the incident SR with suitable filters, respectively. The decaying primary intensity was monitored by measuring the compensation current of the photoelectrons emitted from a tungsten wire stretched across the primary beam. Results have been obtained for specimen with dose density levels of 10¹⁶ cm^–2 and 3×10¹⁵ cm^–2.     

Nondestructive analysis of silver in gold foil using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Small particles of gold foil detached from an indoor decoration might be important evidence to associate a suspect with a crime scene. We have investigated the application of elemental analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to discriminate small particles of gold foil. Eight kinds of gold foil samples collected in Japan were used in the experiments. As a result of synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, only two elements, gold and silver, were detected from all gold foil samples. The intensity ratios of AgKalpha/AuLalpha showed good correlation with the content ratios of Ag/Au. The variation of intensity ratio within a same sample was sufficiently small compared with those of different samples. Therefore the comparison of this intensity ratio can be an effective method to discriminate small particles originating from different types of gold foil.     

A wavelength-dispersive arrangement for wafer analysis with total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using synchrotron radiation

Currently, the only apparent means to enhance the detection power of the TXRF technique would be to increase the intensity of the primary beam. Using synchrotron radiation, the most powerful X-ray source available, unfortunately, not only the fluorescence signal of the contaminant elements is increased, but also in equal measure, the intensities of the Si–K radiation from the wafer together with the scattered radiation. This results in an overloading of the energy-dispersive Si (Li) detector systems used hitherto, with the effect that the available primary intensity cannot be fully exploited. Wavelength-dispersive systems are free of such problems; they generate less detector background and can withstand higher count rates. Due to their small angle of acceptance, however, their detection efficiency is quite low. In this contribution we propose a wavelength-dispersive TXRF solution, which is optimized with regard to higher efficiency on the basis of large area multilayer mirrors in combination with a position-sensitive detector. The count rates in relation to energy-dispersive instruments and the energy resolution of the new system have been calculated using ray-tracing techniques.     

Photoresists comparative analysis using soft X-ray synchrotron radiation and time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Positive photoresists are widely used in lithographic process for the fabrication of relief components. When exposed to UV radiation they suffer chemical reactions modifying their chemical and physical properties. Aiming to follow molecular modifications among two different photoresists unexposed and previously exposed to ultraviolet light we have employed spectroscopic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry in the study of the AZ-1518 and AZ-4620 photoresists. The photon stimulated ion desorption (PSID) technique following the S K-edge NEXAFS spectrum was employed at the brazilian synchrotron light source (LNLS), during single-bunch operation and using time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) for ion analysis. NEXAFS and PSID mass spectra on both AZ-1518 and AZ-4620 photoresists (unexposed and exposed) were obtained and relative desorption ion yield curves determined for the main fragments as a function of the photon energy. They present marked different PSID spectra. Fragments related to the photochemical decomposition of the AZ-1518 photoresist could be clearly identified differently from the AZ-4620. Studies on the hardness of both photoresists were performed using O₂ plasma reactive ion etching (RIE) technique, analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and used to explain different desorption yields in the PSID spectra. These results show that the PSID technique is adequate to investigate structural changes in molecular level in different unexposed and exposed photoresists, which is crucial for improving our knowledge about the breakup process.     

Investigation of supported nickel catalysts by X-ray absorption spectrometry and X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation

In a previous paper a study of the supported nickel catalysts based on extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy was presented for analysis of the first coordination shell. The present study evidenced a strong deformation of the local structure of the metal due to its interaction with oxide support. The average particle size, microstrains and probability of faults, the particle size distribution function of supported Ni catalysts were determined by X-ray diffraction method. The method is based on Fourier analysis of experimental X-ray line profile (1 1 1), (2 0 0) and (2 2 0). The global structure is obtained with a fitting method based on the generalized Fermi function facilities for approximation. A chemisorption model was elaborated by correlation of the local and global structure connected with the specific surface areas. The results obtained on supported Ni catalysts which are used in H/D isotopic exchange reactions are reported. Both types of measurements were performed on the Beijing synchrotron radiation facilities.     

Specific features of X-ray fluorescence analysis techniques using capillary lenses and synchrotron radiation

This paper discusses the features of an application of two versions of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), commonly used at present, namely XRF using synchrotron radiation to excite the fluorescence in the sample investigated (SRXRF), and XRF using capillary X-ray optics. The operational characteristics of different models of micro-XRF spectrometers are considered. The general differences between conventional XRF and SRXRF and their influence on the choice of the analytical procedure are also presented. Examples of the typical errors resulting from the use of some classical analytical procedures in several applications are illustrated.     

Analysis of mineral water from Brazil using total reflection X-ray fluorescence by synchrotron radiation

The total reflection X-ray fluorescence using synchrotron radiation (SRTXRF) has become a competitive technique for the determination of trace elements in samples that the concentrations are lower than 100 ng ml⁻¹. In this work, thirty-seven mineral waters commonly available in supermarkets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were analyzed by SRTXRF. The measurements were performed at the X-Ray Fluorescence Beamline at Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), in Campinas, São Paulo, using a polychromatic beam with maximum energy of 20 keV for the excitation. Standard solutions with gallium as internal standard were prepared for calibration of the system. Mineral water samples of 10 μl were added to Perspex sample carrier, dried under infrared lamp and analyzed for 200 s measuring time. It was possible to determine the concentrations of the following elements: Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, Rb, Sr, Ba and Pb. The elemental concentration values were compared with the limits established by the Brazilian legislation.     

Possibilities of micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of solutions with preconcentration

Results of investigations in energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis aimed at the development of a high-sensitivity method of microanalysis of solutions are presented. A combined scheme of analysis of one drop of solution of the volume several microliters is proposed and tested. The scheme includes a new preconcentration method based on the drop evaporation in the presence of a micrograin of a hydrophilic adsorbent followed by the microanalysis of the solid phase on the portable device with a polycapillary lens with a focal spot of 10 μm designed at the Institute of Physical Optics. Analytically meaningful X-ray fluorescence spectra are obtained using DETATA (grain diameter about 100 μm) and SAC8 (50 μm) adsorbents and individual drops of model solutions containing Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn (0.2 mg/L and higher) and analytical characteristics of the proposed approach are demonstrated.     

Monitoring of the environmental pollution by trace element analysis in tree-rings using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

This paper aims to study the environmental pollution in the tree development, in order to evaluate its use as bioindicator in urban and country sides. The sample collection was carried out in Piracicaba city, São Paulo State, which presents high level of environmental contamination in water, soil and air, due to industrial activities, vehicles combustion, sugar-cane leaves burning in the harvesting, etc. The species Caesalpinia peltophoroides (“Sibipiruna”) was selected because it is widely used in urban forestation. Synchrotron Radiation Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence technique (SR-TXRF) was employed to identify and quantify the elements and metals of nutritional and toxicological importance in the wood samples. The analysis was performed in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source Laboratory, using a white beam for excitation and a Si(Li) detector for X-ray detection. In several samples, P, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Sr, Ba and Pb were quantified. The K/Ca, K/P and Pb/Ca ratios were found to decrease towards the bark.     

X-ray scattering of non-crystalline biological systems using synchrotron radiation

This tutorial review gives an overview of the progress in the study of non-crystalline systems by X-ray scattering and closely related imaging techniques, made possible by advances in synchrotron radiation sources and instrumentation. A brief introduction to the techniques is followed by the presentation of a variety of recent applications to problems in fundamental and applied research in biochemistry and biophysics and food and pharmaceutical technology.     

Photoionization mass spectrometry of molecular clusters using synchrotron radiation

The photoionization and dissociative ionization of molecular aggregates using synchrotron radiation is reported. The main objective of the review is to consider the intracluster relaxation processes after ionization. For hydrogen-bonded systems proton transfer is dominant. For small clusters (n<4) appearance potentials, ionization potentials, absolute proton affinities, proton solvation energies and intermolecular bond energies in the ionic clusters are deduced. For van der Waals aggregates proton transfer can also be used to characterize the intermolecular bond in the ionic cluster. Aggregates of CH₄, SiH₄, CH₃F show proton transfer in contrast to simple aromatic compounds, which reveal no proton transfer. From the fragmentation pattern and appearance potentials relaxation by intracluster ion molecule reactions is discussed. In heterogeneous clusters intracluster Penning ionization is observed. The shift of the charge transfer resonances depends on the π-electron density in the aromatic system. The width and spectral position of these resonances are influenced by the cluster size.     

Development of confocal micro X-ray fluorescence instrument using two X-ray beams

A new confocal micro X-ray fluorescence instrument was developed. This instrument has two independent micro X-ray tubes with Mo targets. A full polycapillary X-ray lens was attached to each X-ray tube. Another half polycapillary lens was attached to a silicon drift X-ray detector (SDD). The focal spots of the three lenses were adjusted to a common position. The effects of the excitation of two X-ray beams were investigated. The instrument enabled highly sensitive three-dimensional X-ray fluorescence analysis. We confirmed that the X-ray fluorescence intensity from the sample increased by applying the two independent X-ray tubes in confocal configuration. Elemental depth profiling of black wheat was demonstrated with the result that each element in the surface coat of a wheat grain showed unique distribution.     

Analysis of metal-containing proteins by gel electrophoresis and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence

For the analysis of metal-containing proteins, sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) has been combined with synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF). In a pilot study the applicability of this combined method was tested in the analysis of metalloaded apoazurin and of the selenoproteins in rat testis homogenate. It was shown that it can be applied in the determination of the major stable binding forms of trace elements. After further improvement of the limits of detection the method will allow the analysis of trace element-containing proteins present in the samples at low concentrations. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Multi-elemental analysis of produced water by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

The synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence (SRTXRF) technique was used for the analysis of heavy metals in produced water samples from oil field in Rio Grande do Norte, in order to determine potential sources of pollution. Since the inorganic components in produced water generally resembling sea water, pre-concentration procedures have been applied to increase the concentration of the analyte of interest and to minimize the salt matrix effects. This technique allows us to determine the contents of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg and Pb in 20 produced water samples. The great majority of the sampling points presented low elemental concentration value. However, in some sample, the Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Hg concentration were higher than the established limits by the Brazilian legislation.     

Analysis of beers from Brazil with synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Summary In this study the concentrations of P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Br in twenty-nine brands of national and international beers were determined by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR-TXRF). The results were compared with the limits established by the Brazilian legislation and the nutritional values established by National Agricultural Library (NAL, USA). The measurements were performed at the X-Ray Fluorescence Beamline at Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory, in Campinas, S?o Paulo, Brazil, using a polychromatic beam for excitation. A small volume of 5 ml of beers containing an internal standard used to correct geometry effects was analyzed without pretreatment. The measuring time was 100 seconds and the detection limits obtained varied from 1 mg ^. l^-1 for Mn and Fe to 15 mg ^. l^-1 for P.     

Forensic discrimination of sheet glass by a refractive-index measurement and elemental analysis with synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Measurements of the refractive index (RI) and elemental analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-XRF) were applied to the forensic discrimination of sheet-glass samples from different origins. The refractive index was calculated from the matching temperature at which the glass fragments became invisible in silicone oil. Fragments smaller than 1 mm in maximum diameter were taken from each of 11 sheet glasses and subjected to analysis by SR-XRF. The XRF spectrum of these samples indicated that a comparison of 6 elements (Ca, Fe, Sr, Zr, Ba and Ce) was useful for the discrimination of sheet glasses. Cluster analysis was performed using 33 sets of SR-XRF data obtained by triplicate measurements for the 11 glasses. Comparing 528 pairs among 33 samples, 515 pairs could be correctly discriminated. The number of indistinguishable pairs could be reduced from 36 to 4 by comparing the SR-XRF data. Elemental analysis by SR-XRF could provide small glass fragments with a more evidential value than the solely measurement of only RI, through a significant improvement of the discrimination capability.     

Some radiation effects on organic binders in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The paper deals with diminished wear resistance of standard samples in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The effect of X-ray irradiation on pellet samples, pressed with starch as organic binder, was investigated by sieve analysis and scanning electron microscopy. A change in the starch grain size was found as a result of swelling and cracking.     

X-ray fluorescent analysis using synchrotron radiation: Subjects of research

The brief review has been presented about the application of X-ray fluorescent analysis using synchrotron radiation (storage ring VEPP-3, BINP SB RAS) for determination of elemental composition of the samples of different nature–biological and geological samples, objects of environment, archeological objects, and new materials. The feature of the presented research is the employment of the unique properties of synchrotron radiation, which allow analyzing samples of small mass (of the order of several milligrams), and also scanning core of bottom sediments with high resolution (less than 1 mm) that is not practical to realize by traditional analysis methods.