XRF, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

XRF Testing, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy Testing Facility

XRF, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) is an elemental and chemical analysis tool. Handheld XRF is particularly useful for inspection and quick nondestructive analysis of large objects such as automotive parts, archaeological samples, art objects, or forensic samples. In this test, the sample is excited by an incident X-ray beam interacting with the sample’s atoms. The sample emits X-rays, which are characteristic of its chemical and elemental makeup. Analysis of the emitted X-ray radiation provides the chemical composition of the material.

Common Uses

• Atomic layer deposited thin film thickness measurement for semiconductor memory applications
• Inspections of parts and corrosion detection in automotive
• Impurities and contaminants in trace amounts in materials
• Elemental analysis of large area wafers or large samples
• Nondestructive paint analysis in art objects
• Mineral chemical composition analysis in the field
• Archaeological sample chemical analysis
• Impurities in pharmaceutical drugs and food products

XRF Advantages:

• XRF works on both, conductive and nonconductive samples
• Detection of elements in very low concentrations – trace amounts
• Quick analysis – almost instant results
• No sample preparation required
• Angstrom level thin film thickness measurement

XRF Limitations: 

• Quantification of results requires a more complicated procedure using reference standards
• Useful only for elements from B to U 
• Handheld XRF cannot detect elements below Mg

Industries:

• Oil and Gas
• Food Products
• Chemical
• Pharmaceutical
• Organic Semiconductors
• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing
• Advanced Materials
• Automotive
• Energy Storage and Batteries
• LED and Display
• Mining and Minerals

More Details

• Wikipedia Tutorial
• XRF geochemical applications
• Handheld XRF
• More about XRF
• Trace Element Analysis by XRF