Student x-ray fluorescence experiments

Abstract

A number of qualitative and quantitative fluorescence x−ray experiments were performed by junior and senior level physics students using a relatively inexpensive radioactive disk x−ray source and a chamber which was constructed by students. The chamber is described in detail and results of several experiments are shown. Students gained experience with sample preparation techniques, x−ray excitation and detection, analysis and interpretation of data, programming of a small calculator, machine shop techniques, and applied physics experiments.