Experiences with electron beam analysis with particular regard to sodium and fluorine

Abstract

Electron excitation appears to offer higher rates of analysis of glass and raw materials than using sealed X-ray tubes alone. There are however, certain disadvantages. These lie mainly in the areas of sample preparation which is the limiting factor in the present sample reproducibility, and arise principally from the need to make the samples conducting. Further work on alternative systems such as conducting surface coatings and grids would be welcome and may eliminate some of these problems by permitting the use of fusion techniques which would probably give greater reproducibility of sample preparation. Although there is plenty of intensity for the light elements even higher count rates obtainable by using thinner counter windows and better reflecting crystals such as RbAP, should permit the reduction of beam current and so reduce the peculiar effect of loss of sodium intensity on repeat determinations.