Patent ID: 6233307
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for the analysis of a solid or liquid sample in a measuring position on a sample holder, the sample having a maximum linear extent of one dm, the spectrometer comprising:a sample chamber defining a first vacuum region, all portions of said first vacuum region being in constant communication with each other to maintain a substantially uniform pressure throughout said sample chamber, said sample chamber having a volume less than 10 dm.sup.3 ;an X-ray tube projecting into said sample chamber for irradiating the sample, said X-ray tube having an exit window forming part of a vacuum-tight wall of said sample chamber;a movable wall element sealing an opening in said sample chamber, said movable wall element having an opened position permitting direct access to the sample in a measuring position inside said sample chamber, said movable wall element having a closed position sealing said sample chamber with respect to a surrounding atmosphere;a detector chamber defining a second vacuum region;a detection means disposed within said detector chamber; anda closing element disposed between said sample chamber and said detector chamber for vacuum-tight separation of said first vacuum region from said second vacuum region.