Investigation of a novel approach to elemental imaging in three dimensions

摘要

Feasibility of a radically different method of using X-ray excited X-ray fluorescence to perform two- and three-dimensional elemental imaging at the micrometer size scale was examined. The proposed new approach was investigated using both laboratory and synchrotron X-ray sources. The project was funded as a high-risk venture by the Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) program at Sandia National Laboratories. Investigations centered around the use of two different types of monochromators and a CCD detector to allow the imaging of characteristic excited X-radiation in two dimensions, one element at a time. The goal of this approach was to be able to obtain three-dimensional images in a similar way as is now possible using X-ray tomographic microscopy methods. Unfortunately, it was not possible to obtain sufficient signal using either X-ray source to warrant further study in this area, and the project was terminated. It is possible that the advent of more intense synchrotron X-ray sources could allow this technique to be used for certain restricted applications, but the results obtained here indicate that, without some further breakthrough, it is unlikely that a practical instrument could result using this approach.