How Are XRF Results Interpreted?
X-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive analytical method that uses X-rays to identify the elemental composition of a range of materials. It is suitable for analyzing solids and liquids forms of materials such as metals, minerals and plastics and is commonly used in geological, mining and industrial manufacturing industries. Knowing how to interpret the results of XRF is vital for any scientist and in this blog post, we aim to provide an overview of how to do so.
What is XRF?
X-ray fluorescence is produced when a material is excited by high-energy radiation. The fluorescence is emitted from the excited material and produces a unique ‘fingerprint’ that can be used to analyze the chemical composition of the material. It is a highly beneficial technique that does not damage or disturb a sample and can be used for all of the elements in the periodic table.
How Are XRF Results Interpreted?
The results of X-ray fluorescence are translated through an XRF analyzer. These instruments comprise an x-ray source, a signal processor, a central processing unit and a detector which work together to process and display results for the operator. The detector is the key piece that measures the energy and identifies present elements and their quantity of them.
When high energy rays are pointed at a material, the atoms within the material become excited which moves the electrons in their atomic shell out of place. The displaced electrons are replaced by external electrons of a higher energy level which maintains the electrical stability of the atoms. When high-energy electrons release energy, it is released as photons with an energy that equals the difference between the first energy state of the electron and the final state1. The processing unit of the XRF analyzer will receive the spectrum from the x-rays and convert them into readable results2. The three types of data through XRF: are quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative.
Qualitative data
Qualitative data obtained from XRF results shows what elements are present in a sample, but it does not provide information about the quantity of them. The XRF detector will count the fluorescent X-rays and display this information in a graphical format.
Quantitative data
Quantitative data provides the additional information lacking in qualitative results. Not only do these results show what elements are present, but also the quantities of these elements. To obtain the most accurate results, calibration of the XRF instruments is important.
Interpreting XRF data requires the analyst to understand the signals that have been produced by the sample, which should be plotted onto a graph of energy vs. intensity3. The results you obtain from the spectra of the XRF largely depend on what you require, but it also depends on the sample you are testing.
XRF With XRF Scientific
XRF Scientific manufactures equipment and chemicals that are primarily used in construction material companies, production mines and commercial analytical laboratories around the world. Our technology helps scientists analyze the composition of a material and is also used for product and quality control methods.
Contact us today for more information on XRF applications and how to interpret XRF results.
