Welcome to LearnXRF.com.

• Introduction
• For the Student
• For the Instructor
• X-Ray Periodic Table
  

Introduction

The field of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is challenging and exciting. XRF was originally used to analyze geological samples. As the technique developed, with the advancements in computers and technology, XRF found its place in many different types of analytical laboratories. With advantages such as easy sample preparation, nondestructive rapid multi-element analysis, and the ability to screen unknowns in a wide array of sample matrices such as liquids, solids, slurries, powders, pastes, thin films, air filters, and many others; XRF offers a perfect compliment to other types of analytical equipment found in the analytical lab . Because of these advantages the technique has a broad appeal to research, industrial, and quality assurance analysts.

XRF touches many aspects of our lives indirectly. It is used in the quality control of many products that we encounter daily. Determination of Fe content in milk powder and essential minerals found in vitamin tablets are examples of how XRF plays a role in our health. The ability to screen unknown samples in their raw form, aids in protecting us from hazardous chemicals, as well as identifying the elemental composition of evidence from a crime scene. Many other applications can be found in the applications section in more detail. back to top

For the Student

This website is a source of information dedicated to helping students understand x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. It covers sample preparation techniques and introduces principles of XRF. The website also contains the general interpretation of spectra, applications of XRF spectroscopy as well as a reference section that lists articles of interest and books that will give the student a more in-depth knowledge of XRF. back to top

For the Instructor

The instructors resource page is a collection of PowerPoint presentations and student handouts to aid instructors in teaching XRF in the classroom. PowerPoint presentations are available for download can be presented directly from the website, for classrooms that are connected to the Internet. The PowerPoint presentations contain an introduction to the technique (spectral range, types electron of transitions, etc.), instrumentation (sources, detectors, hardware), and analytical characterization (applicability, sample types, limits of detection). PowerPoint presentations are also available for different types of XRF: Energy Dispersive XRF (EDXRF), Wavelength dispersive XRF (WDXRF), Nondispersive XRF, and Electron Microprobe XRF (m-XRF or EDS), used in industry. back to top