XRF is a device for measuring the wavelength and intensity of fluorescence waves emitted from different atoms in the sample, the result of which is to identify the type and amount of material elements. The XRF device is widely used in many sciences, and today, due to the tremendous advances in this field, it has become one of the essential tools in research laboratories. XRF is able to analyze many elements qualitatively and quantitatively with a very high operating speed. Due to the high speed and no use of chemicals, it is a cheap method compared to other analytical methods and does not pollute the environment.
Features and Features of XRF Analysis Method
Due to its high speed in the process of identifying elements, XRF is widely used in different centers. This method is also precise and non-destructive. The advantage of this method is the simplicity of sample preparation and its multi-element nature. Among the features of this method, the following can be mentioned.
▪️Ability to measure quantitatively and qualitatively elements
▪️Ability to analyze several samples at the same time (polychromator)
▪️Identification of rare elements Soil
▪️ Detection of elements heavier than oxygen up to the ppm level
What are the principles of the XRF device?
In XRF analysis, X-rays are produced by a source and radiated to the sample. In most cases, the source is an X-ray tube, but sometimes a synchrotron or a radioactive material is used as the source. The elements in the X-ray sample emit fluorescence with discrete energy (in the form of light), which is specific to each element and part of its properties.
Different energy equals different color. By measuring the energy of the rays emitted from the sample (color measurement), it is possible to determine which elements are present in the sample. This stage is called the qualitative analysis stage. In the next step, the amount of each element in the sample can be determined by measuring the intensity of the emitted energy (colors). This step is called quantitative analysis.