XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence)
Non-destructive elemental analysis using X-rays to excite atoms and measure emitted fluorescence.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an analytical technique that bombards a sample with X-rays, causing inner-shell electrons to be ejected. Outer electrons fill the vacancy and emit characteristic fluorescent X-rays — each element produces a unique energy signature.
Portable XRF analyzers like Specelex measure these signatures in seconds without cutting or destroying the sample. Applications span alloy PMI, mining, soil screening, RoHS compliance, and precious metal assay.
Related Terms
PMI (Positive Material Identification)
Verifying that installed or incoming metal matches the specified alloy grade.
Fundamental Parameters (FP)
Physics-based quantification that reduces dependence on matching calibration standards.
LOD (Limit of Detection)
The lowest concentration an instrument can reliably distinguish from background noise.