wavelengthdispersive

Wavelength-dispersive refers to a class of spectroscopy methods that separate electromagnetic radiation according to wavelength using a dispersive element such as a crystal, prism, or grating. In practice, wavelength-dispersive techniques are used across optical and X-ray regimes, and they are often contrasted with energy-dispersive approaches that separate signals by energy or frequency.

In X-ray spectroscopy, wavelength-dispersive spectrometry is commonly implemented in electron probe microanalysis and related instruments. Here, characteristic X-rays emitted by a specimen are directed onto a crystal analyzer. The crystal diffracts X-rays at angles that satisfy Bragg’s law, so only X-rays with a specific wavelength are efficiently detected. By rotating the crystal and recording the intensity at each angle, a spectrum of intensity versus wavelength (or energy) is obtained. This configuration yields high spectral resolution and reduced spectral overlap between neighboring lines.

Wavelength-dispersive spectrometry is typically used to analyze elemental compositions with greater precision than alternative methods, particularly in electron microprobe analysis. It excels at resolving closely spaced lines and separating overlapping signals, enabling more accurate quantification of many elements. However, WDS systems are generally more complex and slower to operate than energy-dispersive detectors, and they cover a more limited wavelength range per measurement.

Compared with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, WDS offers higher spectral resolution and lower background, at the cost of greater instrumental complexity, reduced throughput, and longer analysis times. WDS remains a valuable tool in materials science, geochemistry, and mineralogy where precise line separation is essential.