X-ray measurements from the cathode surface of glow discharge tube used as a compact X-ray fluorescence instrument

As previously reported, when a high-voltage is applied to a Grimm glow discharge tube, high-energy electrons emitted from the cathode surface bombard the glass window, leading to X-ray emissions from the window. In this study, we have applied an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to detect X-rays from the cathode which are excited by X-rays emitted from the glass window. Thus, we have proposed to utilize this glow discharge tube as a compact X-ray fluorescence instrument, to which both the X-ray emission source and the sample are directly attached. This compact X-ray fluorescence instrument has the same advantages of easy maintenance, exchangeable target and sample, and simple construction. The quantitative determination of Si, Ti, and Mn in Fe-Si, Fe-Ti, and Fe-Mn alloys was demonstrated with the detection limits of 21, 150 and 420 ppm, respectively. The X-ray measurement form the cathode is a useful method to directly monitor the cathode surface during the glow discharge process. This would be applied to understand and control the glow discharge processes. Moreover, the X-ray diffraction peaks as well as the fluorescent X-ray peaks were observed, indicating that the structure analysis of the cathode material would also be possible.