Patent ID: 8648313
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: G01T,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A silicon drift X-ray detector for use in an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer mounted in an X-ray analyzer that analyzes a sample by irradiating the sample with an electron beam or electromagnetic waves and spectrally detecting characteristic X-rays emanating from the sample, said silicon drift X-ray detector comprising: an X-ray detection device consisting of a solid-state semiconductor for detecting X-rays; an electrode terminal subassembly mounted to the X-ray detection device and having connector terminals for electrically connecting the X-ray detection device with an external circuit; and a Peltier device in thermal contact with the X-ray detection device via the electrode terminal subassembly to cool the X-ray detection device, a first shield made of a material consisting mainly of a chemical element having an atomic number smaller than an average atomic number of chemical elements included in a material of the Peltier device is mounted between the X-ray detection device and the Peltier device, a second shield made of a material consisting mainly of a chemical element having an atomic number greater than the atomic numbers of the chemical elements included in the material of the Peltier device is mounted between the first shield and the Peltier device to reduce the amount of secondary X-rays entering the X-ray detection device after being produced from the Peltier device, the secondary X-rays being induced by X-rays reaching the Peltier device after being transmitted through the X-ray detection device, at least one X-ray shield made of a material consisting mainly of a chemical element having an atomic number greater than the atomic number of the element included in the material of the first shield and smaller than the atomic number of the element included in the material of the second shield is formed between the first and second shields, and wherein a dose of X-rays reaching the Peltier device after being transmitted through the X-ray detection device is reduced by the first shield.