Variation in the Collimator Beam Size of Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Improved Measurement of Gold Purity

Abstract

The demand to improve the efficiency of precious metal trade has been increasing of late. Due to its non-destructive nature, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence has the potential to supplant the fire assay procedure. Improved accuracy in the measurement of gold purity can be achieved by optimizing the X-ray fluorescent signal by selecting a suitable collimator beam size. Four homogenous materials with different alloy matrix of gold-certified reference were investigated. The effects of collimator beam sizes on the accuracy of gold purity evaluation were observed. The findings can be treated as the foundation to improve the accuracy of gold purity measurement with X-ray fluorescence.