Design of an Accessible XRF Experiment for Learning Labs

The principles of quantum physics are integral to a well-rounded physics education. However, unlike lower-level physics courses, there is often no hands-on experimentation to make a strong connection between theory and its applications. The technique of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a widely used application of quantum physics which experiments can be designed for. Some publications have been made discussing the benefits that students have had from conducting experiments with XRF; however, these experiments are not commonly accessible. Commercial XRF spectrometers have high costs and are therefore only available to specialized labs. This motivated us to develop an accessible XRF spectrometer as well as a lesson plan of experiments for students to follow that gives an adequate introduction into the physics of XRF. This project began by using commercial XRF detectors including a CdTe silicon chip detector, a NaI scintillator detector, and a LaBr scintillator detector connected to a nuclear instrumentation module (NIM) to have a basis for how well an XRF spectrometer should perform. It was decided to use the NaI detector in the final design as NaI detectors are affordable. After completing trials with these detectors, a setup to replace the NIM will be developed and connected to the NaI detector to develop a spectrometer.