An application of X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator is presented. Steel standard samples were identified by X-ray fluorescence analysis with this novel X-ray generator to check its capability for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis as an X-ray source for X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Cr, Ni, V, Co, and W were detected in steel standard samples. V and Cr can be detected even when the content is below 1%. Although it is difficult to detect minor elements because of the low power of the excitation X-rays, it is possible to identify the analyzed samples on the basis of major elements at the percentage level. The pyroelectric X-ray generator is very suitable for portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers.

A portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer was assembled with an x-ray generator that was driven by a 9 V dry electric battery. Several possible optimum geometries of the x-ray generator and detector were evaluated, and the results showed that the intensity of fluorescent x-rays was strong enough when the angle between the x-ray generator and detector was as small as 30 • . The geometrically optimized x-ray spectrometer was applied to the analysis of paints, plastics and aluminum foils. Pigments in paint and toxic elements in plastic could be easily detected with on-site analysis. Fe in aluminum foil was quantitatively determined down to the sub-% level. The detection limit of Fe was 180 ppm for 100 s of measurement.

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