XRF – X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The X-ray fluorescence analysis is used for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solid and liquid materials. The method is based on the excitation of the substance to be analyzed by polychromatic X-ray, gamma or ion radiation. The energy influence causes that electrons close to the nucleus are lifted to higher shells and electrons from higher energy levels fall back. The energy that is released within this process is emitted in the form of element-specific fluorescence radiation and analyzed by a radiation detector.

In general 83 elements from fluorine (Z=9) to uranium (Z=92) can be determined. For the analysis of light elements limitations must be expected due to a low fluorescence radiation.

The method is often used in the metal and construction industries as well as for analyses of glasses, catalysts, ceramics or mineral oil products.