What is a portable spectrometer and how do you use it?
A handheld "XRF gun" is an X-ray instrument used for chemical analysis. Similar in shape and size to a barcode scanner, this device is held in one hand and typically weighs about 1.2 kg (~0.5 lbs).
Chemical analyzes are performed by placing the sample window (in front of the device) in contact with the sample or as close as possible to the sample to minimize backscattering of radiation.
The analysis is initiated by pressing a trigger finger button that emits X-rays into the sample. X-rays characteristic of the compound are released from the sample and are counted by the detector at the front of the device. The time required for analysis depends on the nature of the samples and the elements analyzed. Analysis of major elements usually takes a few seconds, while analysis of minor elements up to a trace usually takes a few minutes. After analysis, the test results are saved and then reported on a digital interface located on top of the device.