Abstract

The use of a vacuum or helium atmosphere for the x-ray spectrographic analysis of long wavelengths is well known. Working with a vacuum path has the advantage of being a low cost technique but presents some drawbacks for obvious reasons, except when using special sample holders. For example, small quantities of powdered samples may scatter in the equipment when the air is admitted too violently into the chamber. For liquid or powdered samples, helium can be used, taking into account that it gives a lower intensity than vacuum for elements below sulphur in the periodic table. However He is expensive, especially when it is necessary to have a continuous flow through the apparatus in order to wash away any trace of air. Hydrogen instead of He is another possibility and also cheaper, but much more dangerous.

A Vacuum Grating Spectrograph For Ultraviolet And Soft X-Rays

Jean Thibaud
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 17(2) 145-154 (1928)

An X-Ray Spectrograph

John T. Norton
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 13(2) 231-233 (1926)

X-ray spectrograph design

Michael P. Chrisp
Appl. Opt. 22(10) 1519-1529 (1983)

X-ray spectrographs using radial groove gratings

Webster C. Cash
Appl. Opt. 22(24) 3971-3976 (1983)

Soft-x-ray generation in a helium environment using laser-produced plasmas

M. Kühne and H.-C. Petzold
Opt. Lett. 9(1) 16-18 (1984)