Abstract

A system and a method for mounting a thin transparent film across the open face of a sample holder for X-ray spectroscopic fluorescence analysis. The system includes a flexible, tapered cylindrical ring member snap-mounted over a matching tapered portion of an annular wall of the holder body which presses a first portion of the skirt of the film against the tapered annular wall. An outer cylindrical closure sleeve snap-mounted to the annular wall presses additional portions of the film skirt against the annular wall. A rim flange of the closure sleeve holds the ring member in position. An optional O-ring snap-mounted to the annular wall of the holder body presses another portion of the film skirt to the holder body. The method includes sliding the ring member over and snap-mounting it to the holder body followed by passing the closure sleeve over the ring member and snap-mounting it to the holder body so as to position and tauten the film in stages. The optional O-ring is mounted to the holder body prior to the ring member. An assembly block for mounting the film is included.