Multiplexing x-ray fluorescence system and method

US10393682B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• USA as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Keith C. Gendreau · Greenbelt, US
• Zaven Arzoumanian · Greenbelt, US
• Robert G. Baker · Delray Beach, US
• Norman Dobson · Greenbelt, US
• Richard Koenecke · Greensboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 18, 2015
• Grant date: Aug 27, 2019
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2223/643
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A multiplexing x-ray fluorescence (MXRF) system and method are provided. The system can include a simple detector that counts x-rays with time resolution. A time-variable applied radiation source is used. The MXRF applied radiation source can produce an excitation spectrum with a peak average energy that grows with time and then recycles. Elemental identification can be achieved by time-correlating x-ray counts detected by the detector, with the time-variable applied radiation field. The system and method provide design flexibility for both commercial and NASA applications.