Non-linear effects in TXRF spectroscopy: Study on the influence of the sample amount

TL;DR

This study investigates the non-linear effects in TXRF spectroscopy caused by sample amount variations, emphasizing the importance of avoiding dead time to ensure accurate spectra in different sample conditions.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of the limitations of TXRF when samples exceed thin film conditions, highlighting the impact of dead time on spectral accuracy.

Findings

Non-linear effects increase with sample amount.

Dead time effects are unpredictable and irreversible.

Optimal sample conditions prevent non-linear distortions.

Abstract

In this work we have studied the limitations of the TXRF spectroscopy in the upper limit of validity of the technique, when the analyzed specimen ceases to be a thin film. We have evaluated the non-linear effects in spectra obtained from samples made ad-hoc, which were acquired in a pre-established sequence of dilutions. So, the spectra were obtained in conditions of high, medium and low counts, thus the nonlinear effects were sequentially evaluated, as a function of the sample amount. According to the conclusions of this work, the Dead Time should be avoided since its effects are unpredictable and irreversible once the spectra are obtained.