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Analysis of Biologically-Derived Small Particles—Searching for Geometry Correction Factors Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2013

Grzegorz Tylko
Grzegorz Tylko*
Affiliation:
Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: grzegorz.tylko@uj.edu.pl
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Abstract

A Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine geometry correction factors that increase accuracy of quantitative X-ray microanalysis of laterally semithick biological materials. A model composed of cellulose with homogeneously distributed biological elements and lateral dimensions between 0.5–25 μm was chosen. The specimen was exposed to 5, 10, and 15 keV electrons, the net intensities of characteristic X-rays registered for the elements, and presented as a function of the lateral dimensions of the model. This showed the double decay exponential function fitted the distribution of X-ray intensities in relation to the model size. The applicability of the function as a correction method was successfully tested for 30 specimens with varying composition and dimensions. The value of relative error decreased from ±60% to ±5% when the correction was applied. Moreover, the minimal lateral size of the material was defined, below which the correction is not required. The simulation also revealed that the difference of the weighted sum of Z2/A between the unknown and the standard could reach 25% without significant influence on the quantitative results. The correction method could be helpful for accurate assessment of elemental composition in biological or organic matrices, when their lateral dimensions are smaller than the distribution range.

Keywords

Monte Carlo simulationquantitative analysisbiological specimenslow-Z number materialsX-ray microanalysiscorrection method
Type
Software, Techniques and Equipment Development
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , February 2013 , pp. 56 - 65
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2013

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