US4239966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detection of atoms using monochromatic X-rays
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-08-29
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Granted: 1980-12-16
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Expires: 1999-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for detecting, in a specimen, atoms, of an element having an atomic number of at least 20, comprising irradiating the specimen with monochromatic X-rays having a wavelength capable of inducing an inner shell ionization of the atoms with subsequent auger cascade and recording the emission of the auger electrons emitted by the cascade on a photographic emulsion, the monochromatic X-rays being produced by exposing a secondary radiator to X-rays to produce consequent secondary radiation in the form of the monochromatic X-rays.
Inventors
- 👤 Chia G. Wang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/22; G01N23/227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of detecting, in a specimen, atoms, of an element having an atomic number of at least 20, comprising irradiating the specimen with monochromatic X-rays having a wavelength to induce an inner shell ionization of said atoms with subsequent auger cascade, and detecting the auger electrons emitted by the cascade, wherein the quantity and distribution of the atoms is recorded on a photographic emulsion which itself includes substantially no atoms of the element, the photographic emulsion being a layer disposed closely adjacent the specimen.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of detecting, in a specimen, atoms, of an element having an atomic number of at least 20, comprising irradiating the specimen with monochromatic X-rays having a wavelength to induce an inner shell ionization of said atoms with subsequent auger cascade, and detecting the auger electrons emitted by the cascade, wherein the quantity and distribution of the atoms is recorded on a photographic emulsion which itself includes substantially no atoms of the element, the photographic emulsion being a layer disposed closely adjacent the specimen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 1, including producing the monochromatic X-rays by exposing a secondary radiator having atoms of the element to X-rays thereby to produce excitation of the atoms and consequent secondary radiation in the form of X-rays of said wavelength.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the specimen is biological and the element is iodine or bromine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the specimen is a biological specimen in the form of a specimen slide and the photographic emulsion is a liquid emulsion coated directly on the specimen slide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specimen is a biological specimen slide and the emulsion is a liquid emulsion coated onto the slide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus for detecting, in a specimen, atoms, of an element having an atomic number of at least 20, comprising a source of monochromatic X-rays having a wavelength to induce an inner shell ionization of said atoms with subsequent auger cascade, and means for detecting the auger electrons emitted by the cascade, wherein the detecting means is a photographic emulsion which includes substantially no atoms of the element, the photographic emulsion being a layer disposed closely adjacent the specimen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus for detecting, in a specimen, atoms, of an element having an atomic number of at least 20, comprising a source of monochromatic X-rays having a wavelength to induce an inner shell ionization of said atoms with subsequent auger cascade, and means for detecting the auger electrons emitted by the cascade, wherein the detecting means is a photographic emulsion which includes substantially no atoms of the element, the photographic emulsion being a layer disposed closely adjacent the specimen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 6, including means for relatively positioning the source, specimen and detecting means for the irradiation of the specimen by the monochromatic X-rays and the detection of the resulting auger cascade.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the source includes a secondary radiator having atoms of an element arranged for irradiation by X-rays to produce excitation of the atoms and consequent secondary radiation in the form of X-rays of said wavelength.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the radiator is a flat plate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the element forming the radiator is a mass of said element captively contained in a container transparent to X-rays.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the source includes an X-ray generator.
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) | 1983-12-16 | 1984-06-16 | 1984-12-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-16 | 1988-06-16 | 1988-12-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-16 | 1992-06-16 | 1992-12-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |