Patent ID: 6539075
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for analyzing a slight amount of a sample, comprising:an X-ray source for producing a primary X-ray beam; a movable sample stage for supporting a sample onto which the primary X-ray beam is to be illuminated; and a detector for detecting a fluorescent X-ray produced by the sample in response to illumination by the primary X-ray beam; and a lid for placement on a measurement sample disposed on the sample stage; wherein the sample stage has one or more holes formed therein each having a central axis on an axis of the primary X-ray beam during use and being in the form of one of a circular cylinder having a diameter within the range of approximately 2 mm-to 10 mm or a squared cylinder having a side length within the range of approximately 2 mm to 10 mm, and each hole having a coating film formed of a heavy metal covering an inner surface thereof; and wherein the lid has a heavy metal coating film formed of the same heavy metal as that covering the inner surface of the hole of the sample stage and a hole having a diameter within a range of approximately 2 mm to 10 mm so as to expose a hole formed in the sample stage when the lid is laid on the sample stage.