Röntgenfluoresenssianalyysi

Röntgenfluoresenssianalyysi, often abbreviated as XRF, is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. It works by bombarding the sample with high-energy X-rays. This causes the atoms within the sample to emit characteristic fluorescent X-rays at specific energies. These emitted X-rays are unique to each element, acting like a fingerprint.

The energy and intensity of the fluorescent X-rays are measured by a detector. By analyzing these energies, the presence of different elements can be identified. The intensity of the fluorescent X-rays is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample, allowing for quantitative analysis. XRF is a non-destructive technique, meaning the sample is typically not damaged during the analysis.

This method is widely used across various industries, including geology, mining, environmental monitoring, forensics, and manufacturing quality control. It is particularly useful for analyzing solid, liquid, and powder samples. XRF can detect elements from sodium (atomic number 11) up to uranium (atomic number 92) and beyond, depending on the specific instrument. The speed and versatility of XRF make it a valuable tool for rapid elemental analysis.