Limitation of X-Ray Fluorescence

XRF Testing

In theory, the RFA has the ability to recognize, X-ray emission of almost all elements, depending on the wavelength and intensity of the incident X-rays. But ...

1. In practice, most commercially available instruments much in their ability to accurately and precisely measure the abundances of the small elements with Z <11 in the most natural materials, earth.
2. XRF analysis can not distinguish between different isotopes of an element, so this analysis will be performed routinely seen with other instruments (TIMS and SIMS).
3. XRF analysis can not distinguish ions of the same element in different valences, so that analysis of rocks and minerals have been performed with techniques such as wet chemical analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy.

XRF Testing