Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 March 2019
The wavelength of the characteristic X-radiation for the lighter elements is not constant but is a function of valence state and to a much lesser extent is a function of co-ordination number.
Commercially available X-ray fluorescence equipment is used in detecting shifts in the characteristic radiation for aluminum, sulfur, chlorine, titanium, vanadium and iron. The greatest shift is found in the case of chlorine where, using the NaCl analyzer, a shift of nearly 0.2° 2 θ is obtained in going from the Cl− in cholorides to the Cl+7 in the perchloratc. The wavelength of the Al+3Kα varies slightly as a function of co-ordination number.
Examples are given for using these phenomena in studying minerals and other compounds. The feasibility of extending the study to both heavier and lighter elements is explored.