Principle of Handheld Spectrometer - Radiation Description of Handheld Spectrometer

The principle of handheld spectrometer

A handheld spectrometer is a spectral analysis instrument based on XRF spectral analysis technology. When high-energy X-rays with energy higher than the binding energy of inner electrons of an atom collide with the atom, an inner electron is ejected, creating a hole and putting the entire atomic system in an unstable state. When an electron from a more outer layer transitions to the hole, a photoelectron is produced. The emitted photon may be absorbed again and expel another secondary photoelectron from the outer layer, resulting in the Auger effect, also known as the secondary photoelectric effect or the non-radiative effect. The secondary photoelectrons expelled are called Auger electrons. When the energy released by the electrons in the outer layer leaping into the inner holes is not absorbed by the atom but is emitted in the form of photons, X-ray fluorescence is produced, and its energy is equal to the energy difference between the two energy levels. Therefore, the energy or wavelength of the ray fluorescence is characteristic and has a one-to-one correspondence with the element. According to Moseley's law, as long as the wavelength of fluorescent X-rays is measured, the type of element can be known. This is the basis of qualitative analysis of fluorescent X-rays. In addition, the intensity of fluorescent X-rays has a certain relationship with the content of the corresponding elements. Based on this, quantitative elemental analysis can be carried out. The X-ray detector converts the optical signals of the characteristic spectral lines of the X-rays of the sample elements into easily measurable electrical signals to obtain the characteristic information of the elements to be measured.

The harm of handheld spectrometers to the human body

The handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer works by generating X-rays through an internal high-voltage generator to excite the electrons on the surface of the object being measured. When the electrons transition, energy is released, thereby obtaining the characteristic spectral lines of various elements. When designing a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, the top priority is safety in use. The radiation of a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is almost negligible. As long as it is operated properly, it will not cause harm to the human body. Nevertheless, when using the instrument, we still need to pay attention to safety so as to ensure the personal safety of the operator and the people around him.

Safety knowledge for using handheld spectrometers

In terms of design, the KMX-RAY handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer does not emit any ionizing radiation (i.e., X-rays) when testing without entering the test interface. For a given radiation source, three factors determine the radiation dose received by the human body:

1.Exposure time

The longer the exposure time is, the greater the radiation dose the human body receives. The amount of radiation is proportional to the exposure time.

2. The distance from the radiation source

The closer to the radiation source, the greater the radiation dose received. The radiation dose received is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the radiation source. For example, the amount of radiation received one foot away from the radiation source is nine times that received three feet away from the radiation source. Therefore, when the shutter of the instrument is open, it is necessary to ensure that all parts of the hands and body are kept away from the front end of the instrument to minimize the radiation exposure.

3 Radiation Shielding

Shielding refers to any material that lies between the operator and the radiation source. The more shielding materials there are and the greater the material density is, the less radiation will be received. A test stand can be purchased as an additional shielding device during the sample testing process. The backscattering shielding accessory is also very effective and particularly suitable for certain applications.

Pregnant women should be aware when using it: Incorrect operation and use may lead to radiation exposure.

The operator is responsible for the safety of the equipment: During use, the equipment should always be the responsibility of an operator who has received formal training.

When not in use, it should be stored in a safe place.

When measuring, do not bring your hand close to the head of the device.

When the detection window is covered by an object, the safety indicator light is on. X-rays will not be produced when the detector fails to detect an object.