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Worked examples in X-ray spectrometry
Book
1183
reviews
Qeochimieaet CosmochimicsActs. 1972, Vol. 36, p. 1183. PergamonPrew. Printed in NorthernIreland
Worked Examplesin X-ray Spectrometry.R.
JENKINS and J. L. DE VRIES, Springer-Verlag,
1970,
129 pp., $5.80. THE POPULARITY of the X-ray spectrometer is such that few research centers specialising in the earth sciences is without at least one of these essential tools of the analytical trade. Nevertheless, the literature does not yet contain the large volume of accurate data these machines are capable of providing. The reason lies in the lack of trained operators in this specialised technique. The book by Jenkins and de Vries will, together with the complementary earlier volume “Practical X-ray Spectrometry” by the same authors, largely fill this need. As the title implies “Worked examples. . .” gives the fundamental theory and equations followed by questions based on actual problems likely to be encountered during analysis. The solutions are then calculated and briefly explained: topics covered include problems connected (2) instrumentation (selection of the best-suited with (1) primary and secondary X-ray spectra; detector, monochromator crystal, pulse height and other analytical conditions); (3) counting statistics (selection of optimal peak/background ratios, detection limits, precision of analysis, etc.); (4) quantitative analysis, with examples of actual analysis in ores, oils, cements, steels and calculation of different forms of matrix corrections, and correction factors; (5) miscellaneous problems connected with dead time, estimation of plating thicknesses, use of filters and the determination of lattice constants. Regrettably, iterative calculation of matrix corrections by computer, now regarded as mandatory at most active centers of X-ray fluorescence analysis, is not discussed. Nevertheless, the basic calculations are provided as is the intimate appreciation of the problems involved. Once these have been absorbed computerisation is a relatively easy further step. B. M. GUNN Department of Geology, Universitk de. Montrdd,
Canada
1183
reviews
Qeochimieaet CosmochimicsActs. 1972, Vol. 36, p. 1183. PergamonPrew. Printed in NorthernIreland
Worked Examplesin X-ray Spectrometry.R.
JENKINS and J. L. DE VRIES, Springer-Verlag,
1970,
129 pp., $5.80. THE POPULARITY of the X-ray spectrometer is such that few research centers specialising in the earth sciences is without at least one of these essential tools of the analytical trade. Nevertheless, the literature does not yet contain the large volume of accurate data these machines are capable of providing. The reason lies in the lack of trained operators in this specialised technique. The book by Jenkins and de Vries will, together with the complementary earlier volume “Practical X-ray Spectrometry” by the same authors, largely fill this need. As the title implies “Worked examples. . .” gives the fundamental theory and equations followed by questions based on actual problems likely to be encountered during analysis. The solutions are then calculated and briefly explained: topics covered include problems connected (2) instrumentation (selection of the best-suited with (1) primary and secondary X-ray spectra; detector, monochromator crystal, pulse height and other analytical conditions); (3) counting statistics (selection of optimal peak/background ratios, detection limits, precision of analysis, etc.); (4) quantitative analysis, with examples of actual analysis in ores, oils, cements, steels and calculation of different forms of matrix corrections, and correction factors; (5) miscellaneous problems connected with dead time, estimation of plating thicknesses, use of filters and the determination of lattice constants. Regrettably, iterative calculation of matrix corrections by computer, now regarded as mandatory at most active centers of X-ray fluorescence analysis, is not discussed. Nevertheless, the basic calculations are provided as is the intimate appreciation of the problems involved. Once these have been absorbed computerisation is a relatively easy further step. B. M. GUNN Department of Geology, Universitk de. Montrdd,
Canada