TITLE:
Specimen Variation Effects on XRF Analysis by the Monte Carlo Method: Thicknesses, Densities and Particle Sizes
AUTHORS:
Hefan Liu, Chengwei Lu, Zihang Zhou, Fengxia Huang, Xiang Hu
KEYWORDS:
Physical Difference of Specimens, X-Ray Fluorescence Measurements, Monte Carlo Method
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics,
Vol.6 No.4,
April
12,
2018
ABSTRACT: This theoretical study conducted an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis on specimen variation, with emphasis on variations on the thicknesses, density and particle sizes of specimens. The theoretical formula for X-ray fluorescence intensity was derived. These specimen variations were simulated using Monte Carlo Neutron-Particle Transport Code MCNP5. The Cu element X-ray characteristic peak counts were calculated. These variations made a conspicuous impact on the fluorescence intensity X-ray characteristic, in terms of theoretical formulas and calculations. There was a nonlinear relationship between thicknesses and count, except for thin specimens. As the density increased, the count increased in an exponential form for the saturated thick specimens. When the density reached 1 g.cm-3 , the count remained constant. The matrix materials (moisture) could increase the matrix effects. The higher the moisture was, the greater the matrix effect was. Specimen particle size also affects these measurement results. Hence, these specimens must be prepared before measurement. The calculations were consistent with the theoretical formulas.