X-ray fluorescence data processing in the energy range 1.5 to 15.4 KeV

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis in the energy range 1.5 to 15.4 KeV is investigated since X-rays produced in this range are characteristics of relatively light elements. The problems associated with the analysis in this region are tackled when Fe-55 and Cd-109 radioisotopes are used. Because of the poor resolution of Si(Li) detectors, peak overlapping problems arise. In a typical situation seven peaks might overlap to produce one total peak. In this work, a computer program based on Poisson's probability distribution is developed. It is possible to deconvolute composite peaks and obtain useful quantitative results even when the peak of interest is almost completely buried under interfering peaks. The feasibility of this method is checked by using an IAEA standard and comparing its elemental content with the IAEA known values