title: Elemental analysis using differential absorption techniques.
abstract: X-ray differential absorption microanalysis is presented as a technique for trace element analysis of hydrated biological specimens of about 0.1-5 μm thickness. For the study of the light elements (Z≲20), the absorption technique minimizes the radiation dose and, thus, damage to such specimens when compared with X-ray fluorescence. A Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscope (SXTM) is described, which has been used to map the concentration of calcium in bone with better than 300 nm spatial resolution and a sensitivity to 5% calcium by weight. Future plans are briefly discussed that offer the hope of achieving 0.1% trace element sensitivity and 75 nm spatial resolution.
authors.affiliation: National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 11973, Upton, NY.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rarback
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cinotti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kenney
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rosser