Röntgenabsorptiometri

Röntgenabsorptiometri, often abbreviated as XRF, is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. It works by irradiating a sample with high-energy X-rays, which causes atoms within the sample to emit characteristic secondary X-rays, known as fluorescence. The energy, or wavelength, of these emitted X-rays is unique to each element, acting like a fingerprint. By measuring the energies and intensities of these fluorescence X-rays, one can identify and quantify the elements present in the sample.

The process typically involves an X-ray source, a sample holder, and a detector. The X-ray source generates the primary radiation, which strikes the sample. The emitted fluorescent X-rays are then collected by the detector, which measures their energy and counts their number. Sophisticated software analyzes this data to produce a spectrum, from which elemental concentrations can be derived. XRF is a non-destructive technique, meaning the sample remains largely unaffected by the analysis. It is widely used in various fields, including materials science, geology, environmental monitoring, and industrial quality control, for its ability to provide rapid, accurate elemental analysis of solids, liquids, and powders.