X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials.
It operates on the principle that when materials are exposed to high-energy X-rays, atoms within the material become excited and emit secondary (or fluorescent) X-rays of a specific energy characteristic of the elements present.
These emitted X-rays are then analyzed to identify the elements and their concentrations in the material.
5 Key Points Explained
1. Excitation of Atoms
When a sample is exposed to high-energy X-rays, the energy from these X-rays is absorbed by the atoms in the sample.
This energy is sufficient to eject inner-shell electrons from the atoms.
This process is known as excitation.
2. Emission of Fluorescent X-rays
After an electron has been ejected, the atom is in an unstable state.
To return to a stable state, an electron from a higher energy level fills the vacancy left by the ejected electron.
The energy difference between the two levels is released in the form of a fluorescent X-ray.
Each element has a unique set of energy levels, so the emitted X-rays are characteristic of the specific elements present in the sample.
3. Detection and Analysis
The emitted fluorescent X-rays are detected by an XRF spectrometer.
The energy of these X-rays is measured, and since each element emits X-rays at specific energies, the elements present in the sample can be identified.
The intensity of the emitted X-rays is also measured, which can be used to determine the concentration of each element in the sample.
4. Non-destructive Analysis
One of the significant advantages of XRF is that it is a non-destructive technique.
This means that the sample can be analyzed without being altered or destroyed, which is particularly useful for valuable or rare materials.
5. Sample Preparation
While XRF is relatively lenient regarding sample preparation, it is still crucial for obtaining accurate results.
Solid samples require a flat and clean surface for measurement, while powdered samples are often homogenized and pressed into pellets.
Liquid samples can also be analyzed directly.
Proper sample preparation ensures that the X-rays interact uniformly with the sample, leading to reliable and reproducible results.
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