X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique that is used to quantify the elemental composition of solid and liquid samples. X-rays are used to excite atoms in the sample, causing them to emit x-rays with energies characteristic of each element present. The intensity and energy of these x-rays are then measured.
XRF is capable of detecting elements from Be-U in concentrations from PPM range to 100%. Because X-rays are used to excite the sample, depths as great as 10µm can be analyzed. Through the use of appropriate reference standards, XRF analysis can accurately quantify the elemental composition of both solid and liquid samples.