This booklet gives a general introduction to X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and XRF analysis. It explains simply how a spectrometer works and how XRF analysis is done. It is intended for people new to the field of XRF analysis. Difficult mathematical equations are avoided and the booklet requires only a basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.
The booklet is not dedicated to one specific type of spectrometer or one application area, but aims to give a broad overview of the main spectrometer types and applications.
Chapter 2 briefly explains XRF and its benefits. Chapter 3 explains the physics of XRF, and Chapter 4 describes how this physics is applied to spectrometers and their components. Chapter 5 explains how an XRF analysis is done. It describes the process of sample taking, measuring the sample and calculating the composition from the measurement results.
Finally, Chapter 6 gives a list of recommended literature for further information on XRF analysis.
