Patent ID: 6459767
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An x-ray fluorescence spectrometer apparatus comprising:a housing; a high voltage energized sealed x-ray tube, utilizing an unheated electron cathode operated in a grounded anode mode allowing heat dissipation through an integrated heat sink, said energized sealed x-ray tube having an integrated emission control secured within said housing; a collimator for collimating x-rays generated by said unheated electron cathode positioned in said housing; an emission/suppression grid positioned between said unheated electron cathode and a target anode, whereby the need for a cathodic electron power supply for spectrometric analysis is eliminated; a diode detector secured within said housing; and an amplifier being linked to a multi-channel analyzer and a microcontroller, for converting low voltage signals from said diode detector into digital signals which are transmitted to a personal data assistant embedded in said micro controller.