EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M51550/01
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMAGING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETER(IXRFS)
Principal Investigator: Fraser, Professor G
Other Investigators:
Holland, Professor A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Gresham Scientific Instruments
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Leicester
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 1999 Ends: 30 September 2002 Value (£): 480,545
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Electronics Food and Drink
Transport Systems and Vehicles No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
We propose to develop an imaging X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (IXRFS) with no moving parts, based on a microchannel plate relay lens and an imaging CCD X-ray detector. Both these key technologies have been developed for satellite-borne X-ray astronomy. The test sample is uniformly illuminated by a primary X-ray beam and the resultant fluorescent (and diffracted) X-rays are re-imaged onto the active surface of the CCD by reflection within the channels of the MCP. One may determine the variation of the composition of the sample over its area without scanning. We propose to construct a facility which embodies many of the desirable features of an eventual commercial system, such as cryogen-free operation, separately-pumped CCD and sample chambers and user-friendly software interfaces. We intend to use the IXRFS in the measurement of particulate contamination and strain in silicon wafers, problems of considerable importance to the semiconductor industry. Other research problems will also be addressed. Contact with potential industrial users of the IXRFS will be facilitated by collaboration with Gresham Scientific Instruments Ltd.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.le.ac.uk