Borehole X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRFS): User's Manual, Software Description, and Performance Report

The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRFS) is designed to be deployed down a predrilled hole for exploration and elemental analysis of subsurface planetary regolith. The spectrometer excites atoms in the regolith and causes them to emit their characteristic X-rays. These characteristic X-rays produce peaks in the Xray spectrum. By measuring the energy of the X-rays, elements are identified. By measuring the intensity of the peaks, the amount of each element can be determined. A software package operates the spectrometer, acquires the data, and analyzes the spectrum to provide elements and their weight fractions. It also provides a user interface to control the measurements and display the results. The original document contains color images.