Application limits in using backscattered radiation for matrix correction in X-ray fluorescence analysis

The known relations of sample element concentration to X-ray fluorescence and backscattered radiation and the correlated cross-sections are investigated for atomic numbers between 6 and 92. Calculations were performed using tabulated coefficients. Results show that coherent scattered primary radiation cannot be used as a check point for matrix correction by incoherent scattering on well defined conditions only. A mean value of mass attenuation coefficient can be determined. Thus incoherent scattered radiation allows matrix correction using the fluorescence-to-Compton-ratio. Application limits of this method are discussed for applying to geological samples. (author)