Patent ID: 6647090
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A X-ray fluorescence spectrometer which comprises:a sample support table for supporting thereon a sample to be analyzed; an X-ray source for radiating primary X-rays so as to impinge slantwise on a flat surface of the sample and including a primary X-ray limiting diaphragm for limiting a bundle of the primary X-rays emitted therefrom towards the sample surface, said primary X-ray limiting diaphragm having an aperture; and a detecting means positioned so as to aim slantwise at the sample surface for measuring an intensity of fluorescent X-rays emitted from a site of interest of the sample, said detecting means including a field limiting diaphragm for limiting a field of view encompassing the sample surface and a soller slit for collimating the fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample, said field limiting diaphragm having an aperture; wherein the aperture of the primary X-ray limiting diaphragm is of a shape effective to allow change in intensity of the fluorescent X-rays measured by the detecting means to be not higher than 1% in the event that a height of the sample surface relative to the X-ray source and the detecting means changes 1 mm at maximum.