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.

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.

Abstract: A miniaturized high-speed modulated X-ray source (MXS) device and a method for rapidly and arbitrarily varying with time the output X-ray photon intensities and energies. The MXS device includes an ultraviolet emitter that emits ultraviolet light, a photocathode operably coupled to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode that emits electrons, an electron multiplier operably coupled to the photocathode that multiplies incident electrons, and an anode operably coupled to the electron multiplier that is configured to produce X-rays. The method for modulating MXS includes modulating an intensity of an ultraviolet emitter to emit ultraviolet light, generating electrons in response to the ultraviolet light, multiplying the electrons to become more electrons, and producing X-rays by an anode that includes a target material configured to produce X-rays in response to impact of the more electrons.

Abstract: A miniaturized high-speed modulated X-ray source (MXS) device and a method for rapidly and arbitrarily varying with time the output X-ray photon intensities and energies. The MXS device includes an ultraviolet emitter that emits ultraviolet light, a photocathode operably coupled to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode that emits electrons, an electron multiplier operably coupled to the photocathode that multiplies incident electrons, and an anode operably coupled to the electron multiplier that is configured to produce X-rays. The method for modulating MXS includes modulating an intensity of an ultraviolet emitter to emit ultraviolet light, generating electrons in response to the ultraviolet light, multiplying the electrons to become more electrons, and producing X-rays by an anode that includes a target material configured to produce X-rays in response to impact of the more electrons.