Monte Carlo simulations of XRF intensities in samples containing a dispersed phase

This paper uses the Monte Carlo method to analyze solid samples, such as alloys, by means of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The results indicate a very severe influence of heterogeneity of XRF intensities, that segregation tends to diminish the magnitude of the interelement effects, and that it is possible, in principle, to perform accurate chemical analyses if one uses influence coefficients that account for segregation. It is concluded that sample homogeneity is a very important factor in XRF analysis, and that the proper precautions must be taken