Abstract We detail the design of a variable energy, x-ray fluorescence source using low activity (1.8×10 6 dpm) 99 Tc β that irradiates thin foils. By rotating among foils Ti, Zn, Nb, Ag, and Au, device produces x rays between 4 70 keV at rate near 1 Hz. When is placed in storage position, external radiation non-detectable. The shielding rotation mechanism permits use vacuum liquid nitrogen tem...