X-ray fluorescence analysis of soft materials using needle-type collimators enabling greater tolerance in analysis depth

A simple micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method was proposed by using commercially available injection needles. Two needles were arranged in confocal configuration inside the sample. One injection needle, which was connected directly to an X-ray tube, was used as an X-ray guide to irradiate X-rays into the sample. Another needle, which was also inserted into the sample, was used to detect the X-ray fluorescence excited inside the sample. From the beam size, the analyzing volume was evaluated to be 0.24 mm³. Therefore, the X-ray fluorescence emitted from a micro region inside the sample could be detected, although this method can only be applied for soft samples. It was demonstrated that the X-ray fluorescence of Zn in a gelatin sample could be measured, and a good linear relationship was obtained for this element. X-ray fluorescence from an oyster sample was also successfully measured by using the injection needles collimator system.