An improvement of microdroplet-X-ray fluorescence analysis

A preparation method of a solution sample in fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy has been developed. There is a considerable constraint in the drying and d ropping process in the conventional method using a specially designed filte r paper. In the present method for fixing filter paper on a sample holder, no problems, such as distortion or breaking of the filter paper, was caused when a sample solution was heated for drying. By reducing the thickness of the filter paper, the absorption of fluorescent X-rays could be suppressed for light elements. For heavy elements, it was possible to increase the qu antity of the dropping sample by increasing the thickness and area of the f ilter paper. In addition, by using a separating filter paper or a functiona l filter paper, such as ion-exchange filter-paper, it is possible to collec t only the specified element. A performance enhancement of the analytical s ystem and on extension of the fields of application can be expected.