Multielement analysis of unweighed biological and geological samples using backscatter and fundamental parameters

This chapter describes extended capabilities of the backscatter with fundamental parameter (BFP) method, which was originally applied only to well-defined samples over a more restricted range of compositions. It demonstrates that the BFP calculation method accurately computes both the effective thickness and the bulk composition of individual samples. It shows how the BFP method provides accurate multielement analyses of biological and geological materials without similar standards. It also examines the analyses of loose powders as well as pelletized quantitative analysis of unknown, unweighed samples by calculation of sample bulk constituents and thickness from the backscatter peaks. Besides reducing preparation and calibration costs, the BFP method avoids the potential contamination and dilution often associated with sample preparation because most materials can be directly analyzed as loose powders, solid lumps or pellets