### Session B1: Condensed Matter Physics I

10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Friday, October 23, 2009
LBJ Student Center Room: 3-14.1

Chair: Casey Smith, Sematech

Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.TSF.B1.9

### Abstract: B1.00009 : Construction and calibration of a low cost X-ray Fluorescence apparatus for compositional analysis of materials

11:36 AM–11:48 AM

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#### Authors:

Sterling Beeson
(Angelo State University Department of Physics)

David Bixler
(Angelo State University Department of Physics)

Charles Allen
(Angelo State University Department of Physics)

Toni Sauncy
(Angelo State University Department of Physics)

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a useful tool for determining elemental composition of materials. This work involves constructing a fluorescence apparatus using an Eclipse III Tube 30 keV Source with a current of 0-100 $\mu$A and a XR-100CR X-ray detector with DP4 Preamplifier and MCA. The apparatus was constructed from independent components, interfaced for automated data acquisition, calibrated and used to examine a variety of different materials. The characteristic x-rays produced by each element in a sample allow the XRF system to determine the composition along with the percent of each element through the use of a modeling software, XRF-FP. For calibration, known samples (both pure metals and alloys ) were analyzed. A sharp boundary sample was used for spot area calibration. Calibration was followed by the analysis (still ongoing) of zeolite mineral samples of unknown trace-element composition from fifteen sites in the Big Bend area.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.TSF.B1.9