New applications of the good old wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence

Abstract

Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence can be characterized by its advantages and drawbacks. Unbeaten spectral resolution in a range below 5 keV, good operational stability, excellent ability of making averaged analysis, and good presentation of peak shape which gives the basis for the chemical speciation are the advantages. Among the drawbacks, the following are important: system with sequential analysis of particular elements, low output of energy supplied to the device, and great cost of instrument which can be amortized only in routine operations. In routine geological and environmental analyses, the WD-XRF performs better than other simpler instrumental or wet techniques. WD-XRF is continuously improved, by applying new multilayer interference mirrors (MIM) for detection and quantification of very light elements. Bad spectral resolution of MIM noted earlier is now improved by tailoring their shape to the shape of gratings. The progress in the long wavelength spectral region joined with efficient and precise wavelength resolution systems enables the application of WD-XRF for speciation analysis. In another effort, XRF spectrometry is treated as a tool for obtaining quantitative basis for the judgement on Linnaean systematic classification of plants and opens the field to a new discipline -quantitative biology.

Similarity between blackbody and synchrotron radiation analyzed by Tsallis entropy

“…Therefore, an accurate expression for continuous X-rays spectrum is important to improve the accurate quantitative analysis using the fundamental parameter method. [15] However the emitting process is very complex, and thus, the spectrum is usually calculated by a simplified expression or Monte Carlo method, which simulates the random trajectory of incident electrons. Continuous X-ray spectra from an X-ray tube were approximated by the blackbody radiation.…”

Atomic spectrometry update—X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…Molloy and Sieber 9 assessed micro-scale heterogeneity in batches of reference materials whilst Palmer 10 stimulated interest from the academic community for the incorporation of handheld XRF into undergraduate chemistry. Other reviews included Kuczumow and Wolski 11 on new applications for WDXRF, Sudarshan et al 12 on EDXRF and Grindlay et al 13 offered a critical evaluation of atomic spectrometric methods for the analysis of wine.…”