A fast method for PIXE and XRF target preparation of aqueous samples

For PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) and XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) a fast and simple target preparation technique for aqueous samples has been developed. After dilution of the sample with a surface reactant, Selectron filter paper, fixed on a rotating table (18 000 rpm), is wetted with a 50μl dispenser, followed by air drying. A number of preparation parameters have been optimized in order to obtain good homogeneity and uniformity in each target and high reproducibility between these targets. Uniformity and homogeneity were measured by scanning over the wetted area with a 2 mm diameter proton beam. The standard deviations of uniformity and homogeneity were found to be only a few percent. Overall reproducibility of different targets, tested with a cadmium-109 source, showed a standard deviation of 2%. (Auth.)