An evaluation of X‐ray tube spectra for quantitative X‐ray fluorescence analysis

Abstract

Abstract Full spectra including both the continuous and characteristic lines from X‐ray tubes are evaluated in a simple way. The penetrating depth of an electron in the target of the X‐ray tube is determined and the Kramers' spectrum corrected for the effects of absorption. The characteristic lines are evaluated from a relation between direct electron excitation and indirect excitation by continuous X‐rays. The calculated spectra from W and Cu X‐ray tubes are given and their usefulness is confirmed by analysing some typical samples including Ag/Pd and Cu/Zn alloys and BaO/TiO 2 mixed oxides.