The evolution of portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instruments have come a long way since their debut to the commercial market in the 1950s. Thankfully, the once bulky, heavy and radioactive box is now a relatively light, handheld device with results that are comparable to those acquired in a laboratory. These instruments are now being […]
These principles below will provide a good basis for understanding quality XRF data from analysis. We aim to set even the most novice of users on the right track to collecting reliable portable XRF data that will stand the test of time. Accuracy and Precision The general saying is that “portable XRF instruments are […]
Portable XRF technology has improved dramatically over the last decade to the point that your average handheld instrument can measure from uranium, all the way down to light elements such as magnesium. Improvements in the lighter elements is primarily down to the development of silicon drift detectors (SDD). These detectors can count more energy peaks […]
Precision and accuracy are two of the most important concepts to understand when thinking about pXRF technology. “Portable XRF instruments are precise but not accurate.” Automatically this statement can cause unease with portable XRF users, but it shouldn’t. Understanding precision and accuracy will help any portable XRF user embrace this statement! What is Precision? Precision […]
Periodic Table of Elements highlighting the light elements As we know, portable XRF technology works by bombarding samples with X-rays and causing their atoms to fluoresce characteristic X-rays of the elements that they contain. The energy of the fluorescent X-rays corresponds directly to the atomic number of the element. Light elements have energy levels that […]
How to get the most from your data with the help of Certified Reference Material (CRM) Certified Reference Materials (CRM) are of great assistance with portable XRF data Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC). CRM’s provide a check for elemental concentrations, in addition to checking for low level contamination of the XRF instrument. A question […]
An important part of using a portable XRF (pXRF) is the correct licencing of the instrument in the state where it is being used. This ensures that the instruments are being used safely and responsibly and can vary from state to state within Australia.
