Upgrading energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis (survey)

Rapid progress in semiconductor detectors in the 1960s led to their general use in analysis. The use of semiconductor detectors in x-ray fluorescence has been considered in books and special surveys. Information on certain aspects of the use of these semiconductor x-ray detectors can be derived from survey papers dealing with general aspects of x-ray fluorescence. In this survey, improving energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometers, including improving the analytical characteristics by monochromatizing and polarizing the exciting radiation is considered. Synchrotron radiation used for analytical purposes is discussed. 180 refs