Major
Chemistry
Anticipated Graduation Year
2022
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
A Grazing Incidence X-Ray Fluorescence instrument is used for the characterization of 3-dimensional elemental distribution on flat surfaces. The GIXRF instrument works on the basis of analyzing the X-ray fluorescence that is induced by a generated X-ray beam incident under the glancing angle. The lab-based GIXRF instrument will be instrumental in the following research thrusts: solar wind samples collected from the NASA Space probe Genesis will be characterized with respect to their surface contamination and their surface structure; layered materials used in semiconductors and energy storage can be measured with respect to thickness and composition; identification of element distribution in tissue samples. Building and repairs to the Grazing Incidence X-Ray Fluorescence instrument are currently in progress and should be completed in the very near future. Once the GIXRF instrument is fully operational, it will provide data that is valuable to the space exploration community and the medical community.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Dr. Martina Schmeling, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Supported By
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Development of a Laboratory Based Grazing Incidence X-Ray Fluorescence Instrument
A Grazing Incidence X-Ray Fluorescence instrument is used for the characterization of 3-dimensional elemental distribution on flat surfaces. The GIXRF instrument works on the basis of analyzing the X-ray fluorescence that is induced by a generated X-ray beam incident under the glancing angle. The lab-based GIXRF instrument will be instrumental in the following research thrusts: solar wind samples collected from the NASA Space probe Genesis will be characterized with respect to their surface contamination and their surface structure; layered materials used in semiconductors and energy storage can be measured with respect to thickness and composition; identification of element distribution in tissue samples. Building and repairs to the Grazing Incidence X-Ray Fluorescence instrument are currently in progress and should be completed in the very near future. Once the GIXRF instrument is fully operational, it will provide data that is valuable to the space exploration community and the medical community.