US4172225A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Alpha particle x-ray energy analysis system
Assignee: Kevex Corp
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Filing: 1978-01-09
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Granted: 1979-10-23
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Expires: 1998-01-09
Abstract
Abstract A high resolution alpha particle x-ray energy analysis system, particularly useful in detecting light elements, is disclosed wherein magnetic or electrostatic suppression fields prevent charged particles that create background radiation from reaching a windowless energy dispersive x-ray detector.
Inventors
- 👤 Rolf Woldseth
- 👤 Duane A. Spence
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/24; G01T1/244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
An x-ray energy spectrometer system having a source emitting alpha particles which impinge upon a sample under analysis to produce characteristic x-rays of the sample material, the improvement comprising (a) a windowless energy dispersive solid state detector for detecting the characteristic x-rays; (b) a charged particle suppression field preventing charged particles from impinging upon said detector; and (c) an evacuated chamber containing the sample, source and the detector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
An x-ray energy spectrometer system having a source emitting alpha particles which impinge upon a sample under analysis to produce characteristic x-rays of the sample material, the improvement comprising (a) a windowless energy dispersive solid state detector for detecting the characteristic x-rays; (b) a charged particle suppression field preventing charged particles from impinging upon said detector; and (c) an evacuated chamber containing the sample, source and the detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the charged particle suppression field comprises a magnetic field acting transversely to the path of characteristic x-rays from said sample to said detector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the charged particle suppression field comprises an electrostatic field acting transversely to the path of characteristic x-rays from said sample to said detector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein a contaminant barrier is located in the path of the characteristic x-rays between said sample and said detector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the means developing said charged particle suppression field is located to shield physically said detector from said source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said source is remotely located from said evacuated chamber and further comprising transport means conducting a beam of alpha particles from the source to the sample.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said transport means includes focusing means for the beam of alpha particles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said transport means includes beam deflection means whereby said beam may be shifted so as to scan the surface of the sample.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 6 wherein the source and sample are so located that a direct line-of-sight path does not exist between said source and said sample.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 further including a second charged particle suppression field located between said source and said sample to prevent unwanted charged particles from impinging upon said sample.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 further including analysis means for Auger electrons emitted from said sample.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-22 | 1983-04-23 | 1983-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-22 | 1987-04-23 | 1987-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-04-23 | 1991-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |