Importance

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Abstract

A low-profile, hand-holdable, self-contained x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer includes an articulated head. Orientation of the head, relative to a body of the analyzer, may be user adjusted, manually and/or via remote control. A primary x-ray source and an x-ray detector are disposed within the head for articulation therewith. The analyzer may be inserted into a small diameter pipe or other hollow structure, and then the orientation of the head may be adjusted, so a business end of the head is oriented toward a portion of the interior of the pipe or other structure that is to be analyzed. Alternatively, a primary x-ray source and an x-ray detector are disposed within a fixed-orientation head, such that the business end axis of the analyzer is oriented approximately perpendicular to the main axis of the body. Optionally, one or more light sources and cameras may be used to generate images of regions near either of the analyzers to facilitate positioning the analyzer adjacent the sample and, in the case of the articulated head analyzer, orienting the head toward the sample.

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First Claim