Differential attenuation of X-rays: Analytical applications

A simple and absolute method of analysis has been developed based on the photoelectric discontinuities of the element to be analysed. When a sample containing this element is crossed by a pair of X- or gamma-rays that brackets closely the K or L discontinuities of the element itself, then the ratio of the two X- or gamma rays transmitted through the sample depends only on the concentration of the element.The method is extremely selective even though not very sensitive, and can be applied to analysis of more than one element at the same time, when incident radiation is employed composed of as many pairs as there are elements to be analysed.