Polarization X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis by Milliwatt X-ray Tube

Abstract

X-ray spectra scattered to 90°were measured for various scatterers of 5-mm thick B₄C, acrylic, titanium, iron, zirconium, and lead plates, and their combinations such as B₄C(5 mm thick) on acrylic plate (1 or 5 mm thick). The degree of polarization was estimated from the observed X-ray spectra at 0°and 90°. Using the best scatterer as an X-ray polarizer for each sample, polarization X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra of various samples such as cabtyre cable, book cover made of synthetic-resin, and steel making slag, compared with non-polarization XRF spectra. Toxic elements in some samples were more sensitive for polarized XRF, while other samples were more sensitive for non-polarized XRF. The reasons for such contradicted experimental results were discussed. Most of the measurements were performed by 15 mW X-ray tube power for polarization XRF, and by 3 mW for non-polarized XRF. The meanings of lowest power XRF measurements in the literature were also discussed. This kind of low power experiments may open the possibility of easy way of experiments, and non-invasive XRF analysis for cultural heritage.