Investigating methods of normalization for X-ray fluorescence measurements of zinc in nail clippings using the TOPAS Monte Carlo code. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Utsav; Van Delinder, Kurt; Gräfe, James L.; Fleming, David E.B.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 182(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Development of portable X-ray fluorescence devices has made it easier to quickly assess trace elements such as zinc in human tissue. A TOPAS Monte Carlo code was used to investigate the use of a portable X-ray fluorescence system for detecting zinc in nail clippings. The obtained energy spectra from different nail thicknesses were analyzed and three different normalization techniques (coherent, Compton, and entire spectrum) were introduced. The simulation results suggested that coherent normalization can be a particularly robust normalization procedure. Highlights: Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate an XRF method for zinc in nail clippings. Various normalization techniques were introduced to account for variation in signal. Coherent normalization was found to be a robust normalization procedure.