Tunable exciting energies for total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry using a tungsten anode and bandpass filtering

The applicability of crystal monochromators, X‐ray mirrors and multilayer configurations as filter elements in the primary beam of a total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer is discussed. The best compromise between detection limits and multielement capability was found to be a double multilayer arrangement with variable distance between the multilayer mirrors. Two multilayers in combination with the respective control units for multilayer distance, tube height and sample positioning provide a free choice of isolated X‐ray lines and narrow energy bands of the bremsstrahlung continuum. This permits optional excitation energies in one instrument. Using a tungsten anode at 60 kV, three arbitrarily selected energies of 9.7, 20 and 40 keV were applied. The effect of tunable exciting energies was demonstrated by means of a standard multielement solution.