FISCHER FISCHERSCOPE X-RAY XDLM 231, Operator'S Manual

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14 FISCHERSCOPE ® X-RAY
Instrument Overview
2.3 X-Ray Fluorescence
The specimen is excited with the primary x-radiation. In the process electrons from the inner electron
shells are knocked. Electrons from outer electron shells fill the resultant voids emitting a fluorescence
radiation that is characteristic in its energy distribution for a particular material. This fluorescence
radiation is evaluated by the detector.
The generation of the x-ray fluorescence radiation is shown simplified in Fig. 2.1. One electron
from the K shell is knocked. The resultant void is filled by either an electron from the L shell or an
electron from the M shell. In the process the K

and K

radiation is generated, which is character-
istic for the particular material.
Figure 2.1: Generation of the x-ray fluorescence radiation
Primary X-radiation
X-ray fluorescence radiation
Shell
K L M
K

K

Electron