Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a system, method and device for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In some embodiments, the LIBS system comprises a silicon photomultiplier (Si PM) operated in a time-gated photon counting mode. Some such embodiments allow for the provision of a portable LIBS device. Also provided are embodiments for the measurement of constituent carbon, gold and/or other precious metal group elements in a target sample.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a system, method and device for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In some embodiments, the LIBS system comprises a silicon photomultiplier (Si PM) operated in a time-gated photon counting mode. Some such embodiments allow for the provision of a portable LIBS device. Also provided are embodiments for the measurement of constituent carbon, gold and/or other precious metal group elements in a target sample.

Abstract: A portable XRF analyzer includes a pressure measurement device disposed to measure the ambient air pressure and a processing subsystem responsive to a detector subsystem and the pressure measurement device. The processing subsystem is configured to calculate the concentration of at least one low atomic number element in the sample based on the intensity of the x-rays detected by the detector subsystem at an energy level corresponding to the element. The intensity value is corrected based on the ambient air pressure. An XRF method is also disclosed wherein the concentration of an element is determined automatically by taking into account the barometric pressure.

Abstract: An XRF system including an analyzer with a sample bottle holder, an x-ray source positioned to emit x-rays into a sample bottle placed in the holder, and a detector positioned to receive x-rays emitted by a sample in the sample bottle positioned in the sample bottle holder. A supply of sample bottles receivable in the sample bottle holder, each sample bottle including a first cap with the window therein for allowing x-rays to pass there through when the sample bottle is positioned in the holder, and a second cap without a window for transporting and storing the sample.

Abstract: A dual source tube XRF system and method wherein a first x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a first energy band at a sample and at least a second x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a second energy band at the sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample after irradiation by the first and second x-ray sources. An analyzer is responsive to the detector and is configured to determine the amount of at least a first substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the first x-ray source and to determine the amount of at least a second substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the second x-ray source. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to energize the first and second x-ray sources either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A dual source tube XRF system and method wherein a first x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a first energy band at a sample and at least a second x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a second energy band at the sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample after irradiation by the first and second x-ray sources. An analyzer is responsive to the detector and is configured to determine the amount of at least a first substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the first x-ray source and to determine the amount of at least a second substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the second x-ray source. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to energize the first and second x-ray sources either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: An XRF system including an analyzer with a sample bottle holder, an x-ray source positioned to emit x-rays into a sample bottle placed in the holder, and a detector positioned to receive x-rays emitted by a sample in the sample bottle positioned in the sample bottle holder. A supply of sample bottles receivable in the sample bottle holder, each sample bottle including a first cap with the window therein for allowing x-rays to pass there through when the sample bottle is positioned in the holder, and a second cap without a window for transporting and storing the sample.

Abstract: A fuel analysis system and method wherein an x-ray source emits x-rays at an energy level below but proximate the absorption edge of sulfur. A monochromator is in the optical path between the source and a fuel sample for directing x-rays at a single energy level at the fuel sample to limit excitation of any sulfur in the fuel sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample and an analyzer is responsive to the detector and configured to determine the amount of silicon and aluminum in the sample.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a sample table (2) with depositing positions (3) disposed in m lines, wherein the lines extend parallel to an x direction and m≧2, and comprising a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position (5) and back to a depositing position (3), wherein the gripping device (4) can be displaced linearly parallel to the x direction, is characterized in that the sample table (2) can be moved linearly parallel to a y direction, extending at an angle &agr; to the x direction, and independently of the gripping device (4) for gripping samples (1) from different lines, wherein the sample table (2) is disposed parallel to the x-y plane.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position and back to a depositing position (3), wherein at least some of the samples are surrounded by a sample holder (13;13′) in the peripheral direction, is characterized in that the samples or containers containing the samples project past the sample holder in the vertical z direction perpendicular to the horizontal x-y plane and that the gripping device is disposed and structured on a side of the sample to surround parts of a sample or of a sample container which project past the sample holder in an operating position in the z direction and to grasp the sample holder.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a sample table (2) with depositing positions (3) disposed in m lines, wherein the lines extend parallel to an x direction and m≧2, and comprising a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position (5) and back to a depositing position (3), wherein the gripping device (4) can be displaced linearly parallel to the x direction, is characterized in that the sample table (2) can be moved linearly parallel to a y direction, extending at an angle &agr; to the x direction, and independently of the gripping device (4) for gripping samples (1) from different lines, wherein the sample table (2) is disposed parallel to the x-y plane.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus for investigating material samples, comprising a device for automatic exchange of the samples (1), which comprises a gripping device (4) for precise removal of any desired sample (1) from a depositing position (3) and for transfer into a transfer and/or measuring position and back to a depositing position (3), wherein at least some of the samples are surrounded by a sample holder (13;13′) in the peripheral direction, is characterized in that the samples or containers containing the samples project past the sample holder in the vertical z direction perpendicular to the horizontal x-y plane and that the gripping device is disposed and structured on a side of the sample to surround parts of a sample or of a sample container which project past the sample holder in an operating position in the z direction and to grasp the sample holder.