Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for microscopic X-ray fluorescence. An X-ray source, X-ray focusing element and a tapered X-ray opaque focusing aperture provide a focused X-ray spot on a sample. The system translates a sample between an imaging position and a testing position. In the imaging position, the sample is aligned in three dimensions and after alignment, the system automatically translates the sample between the imaging position and the testing position. To avoid collision between the sample and other elements of the system, a position detecting device terminates the sample translation if the sample trips the position detecting device. The focusing aperture of the system has a tapered through opening to block unfocused X-rays and reduce or eliminate a halo effect. To detect low atomic number elements, a detector aperture is vacuum sealed to an X-ray detector and X-ray elements of the system are vacuum evacuated.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for microscopic X-ray fluorescence. An X-ray source, X-ray focusing element and a tapered X-ray opaque focusing aperture provide a focused X-ray spot on a sample. The system translates a sample between an imaging position and a testing position. In the imaging position, the sample is aligned in three dimensions and after alignment, the system automatically translates the sample between the imaging position and the testing position. To avoid collision between the sample and other elements of the system, a position detecting device terminates the sample translation if the sample trips the position detecting device. The focusing aperture of the system has a tapered through opening to block unfocused X-rays and reduce or eliminate a halo effect. To detect low atomic number elements, a detector aperture is vacuum sealed to an X-ray detector and X-ray elements of the system are vacuum evacuated.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for microscopic X-ray fluorescence. An X-ray source, X-ray focusing element and a tapered X-ray opaque focusing aperture provide a focused X-ray spot on a sample. The system translates a sample between an imaging position and a testing position. In the imaging position, the sample is aligned in three dimensions and after alignment, the system automatically translates the sample between the imaging position and the testing position. To avoid collision between the sample and other elements of the system, a position detecting device terminates the sample translation if the sample trips the position detecting device. The focusing aperture of the system has a tapered through opening to block unfocused X-rays and reduce or eliminate a halo effect. To detect low atomic number elements, a detector aperture is vacuum sealed to an X-ray detector and X-ray elements of the system are vacuum evacuated.

Abstract: The face plates of a drift tube have their joints with a central cylindrical body sealed by utilizating two metallurgical techniques. The first technique involves the soldering of interface surfaces at the joints between the face plates and the body. The soldered joint prevents the entry of electroplating solution into the interior of the drift tube during a second metallurgical procedure involving the electroformation of a copper strap around the joint which provides a permanent seal against leakage of coolant from the drift tube while offering excellent electrical and thermal conductivity across the surface of the drift tube.