Development of the Dried Spot Sample Preparation Methodology and Applications to XRMF Analysis

摘要

The dried spot method has significant potential for trace elemental analysis using x-ray fluorescence. Small sample size coupled with spatially resolved excitation offers increased sensitivity for aqueous solutions. The primary limitation in applying this method to routine analyses is that much of the method development and fundamental aspects have not been investigated. We have studied the effects of a number of parameters on the quantitative capabilities of the dried spot method. These include thin-film substrates, drying methods, and solution composition. The small sample size offers opportunities for the analysis of a wide array of sample types including highly radioactive specimens.