x-ray fluorescence
A technique for determining the elemental composition of metals and other materials through non-destructive means, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is widely used. In the process, the material is excited by high-energy X-rays, resulting in the emission of secondary (fluorescent) X-rays indicative of its chemical nature.
Key Features:
- How It Works: Once high-energy X-rays interact with a material, atoms absorb the energy and then release it as characteristic fluorescent X-rays. Elementary recognition and quantification can be done with great precision due to the unique signature that each element possesses.
- Properties Measured: It gives qualitative information about elemental composition with levels from trace to bulk. Can analyze metals, ceramics, minerals, and coatings.
- Various Applications: In metallurgy, mining, environmental science, and quality control. For material verification, alloy sorting, and contamination detection in industrial processes.
The main advantage of X-ray fluorescence is speed and accuracy, combined with its non-destructive nature, making it invaluable for chemical analysis and quality assurance in manufacturing, recycling, and research.