My DIY XRF setup is finally complete - it is comprised of an Amptek X-123 detector using the proprietary Amptek 25 mm2 / 500 μm Si-PIN X-Ray detector element (model FSJ32MD-G3SP), Amptek Pre-Amplifier and DP5 DPP /MCA.
Details about the detector are in THIS post.
On the exciter side, in the past, I have used X-Rays from an Am-241 source (59.54keV). Unfortunately, there is no exempt quantity or a way to obtain high activity, pure Am-241. The ones used in modern household smoke detectors are only 0.9 uCi (unless obtained from the old Pyrotronics industrial smoke detectors with up to 80uCi) but still have the Am-241 mixed and pressed into Gold and Silver foil which has parasitic emissions of the said metals in addition to the Am-241 decay product - usually a fairly strong Np La line emission (from Np-237 decay product). The Neptunium La-line is observed even with recently created Am-241) La at 13.95keV.
I decided to switch over to an X-Xay Tube where the emission can be controlled, the spectrum is uniform with the exception of the XRF emissions from the target material but this is normally a single metal.
I am using Moxtek Magnum series transmission X-Ray tube with Tungsten target - 10W total electrical power (-50kV / 200 uA) controlled by an X-ray source controller of my own design.
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