This lesson explores the role of argon in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Although argon is not a component of pigments, its spectral presence is often observed during analysis due to its interaction with X-rays in the air. Participants will examine the effects of argon and understand how different experimental setups influence its detection.
Objectives
- Understand the origin of argon peaks in XRF spectra.
- Analyze the impact of various filter setups on the visibility of argon peaks.
Materials
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plate
- Bismuth cube
- Argon vial
- Plasma sphere
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to Argon in XRF Spectroscopy:
- Explain the presence of argon in the air and its interaction with X-rays.
- Discuss the characteristics of argon peaks (K alpha at 3 keV and K beta at 3.2 keV).
- Experiment 1: HDPE Plate Analysis:
- Use the HDPE plate to reflect X-rays and observe argon peaks under three filter setups: no filter, low keV filter, and routine filter.
- Compare spectra and identify argon peaks in each configuration.
- Experiment 2: Bismuth Cube Analysis:
- Analyze the bismuth cube with the same filter setups.
- Evaluate the intensity and visibility of argon peaks across configurations.
- Experiment 3: Argon Vial and Plasma Sphere:
- Attempt to detect argon directly using an argon vial under the spectrometer.
- Demonstrate argon excitation with a plasma sphere to confirm its presence visually.
