Small Samples; Irregularly Shaped Samples; Light Materials (Such As Plastics) - Thermo Scientific XL2 User Manual

Small Samples

Irregularly Shaped Samples

Light Materials (such as plastics).

Thermo Scientific
A small sample would be any sample that is smaller than the measurement window. Small
samples present a unique risk because they don't block the entire beam path. The difficulty
with placing small samples down on a work surface to analyze them is that you may get
readings from the work surface that interfere with analytical results. A test stand is an effective
way of analyzing small samples accurately and safely. Never hold samples during analysis or
look into the path of the primary beam.
Irregularly shaped samples may not allow the proximity button to be depressed, or they may
not entirely cover the primary beam and cause additional scattering. A back scatter shield is a
safe way of reducing your radiation exposure while effectively analyzing an irregularly shaped
sample.
X-rays are attenuated more by denser and higher atomic mass materials, and less through
lighter materials such as plastic. This causes higher dose rates in the scattered radiation. If you
are frequently handling low density samples, you should consider the use of test stands,
backscatter shields, or the equivalent.
2
Using Your Analyzer
Safely and Effectively Using Your Analyzer
Niton XL2 Analyzer User's Guide 11