Acquisition of an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer for Multi-disciplinary Research Projects

项目名称：获取一台x射线荧光（XRF）光谱仪用于多学科研究项目。摘要NSF核磁共振（主要研究仪器）奖的目的是为拉马尔大学提供一台x射线荧光（XRF）光谱仪，用于研究和教育。x射线荧光是一种用于固体或液体中元素鉴定和浓度测定的仪器技术。XRF光谱仪使用x射线激发未知样品。样品中受激发的元素衰变并重新释放出它们自己的“特征”荧光x射线。光谱仪检测荧光x射线并定量地确定样品中存在哪些元素。被收购的XRF是牛津仪器公司的ED2000型，配备了真空系统（XA620）和样品旋转器组件（XA618）。它可以分析质量范围从Na（11）到U(92)，从低ppm到高百分比水平的元素。测量可以在标准空气路径中进行，可选的液体氦路径或在真空中进行低原子序数元素。非均匀样品，如滤纸上的颗粒，可以使用ED2000样品旋转器进行最佳测量。Lamar大学的XRF设备将大大提高我们在粒子相关研究和教育方面的能力，促进部门之间的跨学科合作，降低元素分析的长期运营成本，并加强我们在Lamar大学获得外部研究资金的努力。此次收购将直接受益于目前资助的和未来拟议的项目，包括室外/室内颗粒物的测量和分析，金属和汞排放控制的吸附技术的开发，工业污泥的化学特性，以及用于环境应用的超多孔钛基光反应器的开发。此外，拉马尔大学的本科生和研究生都将有机会通过研究或课堂教学获得理解和操作这种现代先进化学分析技术的第一手经验。这次收购对拉马尔大学的研究和教学基础设施的影响将是相当大的。它还将加强对该地区K-12学生的服务，并努力招募有潜力的学生参加科学和工程项目。

Project Title: Acquisition of an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer for Multi-disciplinary Research ProjectsNSF Proposal No.: 0116500AbstractThe objective of this NSF MRI (Major Research Instrumentation) award is to provide an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer at Lamar University for research and education. X-ray fluorescence is an instrumental technique for identification and concentration determination of elements in solids or liquids. An XRF spectrometer uses X-rays to excite an unknown sample. The excited elements in the sample decay and re-emit their own "characteristic" fluorescent X-rays. The spectrometer detects the fluorescent X-rays and quantitatively determines which elements are present in the sample. The XRF being acquired is an Oxford Instruments Model ED2000 equipped with a Vacuum System (XA620) and a Sample Spinner Assembly (XA618). It can analyze elements in the mass range from Na(11) to U(92), from low ppm to high percentage levels. Measurements can be made in the standard air path, an optional helium path for liquids, or in vacuum for low atomic number elements. Non-homogeneous samples such as particulates on filter papers can be optimally measured with the use of the ED2000 sample spinner. The availability of an XRF unit at Lamar University will greatly enhance our capabilities in particle-related research and education, promote inter-disciplinary collaboration among departments, reduce long-term operation costs for elemental analyses, and strengthen our efforts in obtaining external research funds at Lamar University. Both currently funded and future proposed projects will be directly benefited by this acquisition, including measurement and analysis of outdoor/indoor particulate matter, development of sorbent technology for metal and mercury emission control, chemical characterization of industrial sludge, and development of a super-porous titania-based photoreactor for environmental applications. In addition, both undergraduate and graduate students at Lamar University will have an opportunity, either through research or classroom instruction, to obtain first-hand experience in understanding and operating this modern, advanced chemical-analysis technique. The impact of this acquisition on research and instructional infrastructure at Lamar University will be considerable. It will also enhance service to the area K-12 students and efforts in recruiting potential students to science and engineering programs.