March 14th 2024
A PhD student in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania has won the 2024 Physics of Medical Imaging Student Paper Award, which is given out annually by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), at the Medical Imaging Symposium in San Diego, California.
The Impact of Heterogeneity Micro-Beam XRF Scanning Spectroscopy for Environmental Analysis
November 22nd 2023A new study published in Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy investigated the effects of heterogeneity, including grain size and mineralogical composition, on micro-beam X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning spectroscopy. XRF is a useful tool for environmental analysis, because of its high spatial resolution.
Machine Learning and Synchrotron Imaging: Advancing Early Cancer Diagnostics
June 2nd 2023Machine learning and synchrotron radiation-based micro X-ray fluorescence imaging show promise for early cancer diagnostics by identifying trace biometals as potential cancer biomarkers. The research demonstrates the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms to analyze the spatial distribution of biometals and classify cancer pathogenesis stages, offering potential advancements in non-invasive cancer detection.
Spectrometers in Wonderland: Shrinking, Shrinking, Shrinking
November 1st 2022In the past 20 years, spectrometers have shrunk dramatically in size, and this shrinking has been achieved with only modest performance reductions in sampling versatility, spectral range, spectral resolution, and signal-to-noise.
An Archaeometric Investigation into the Former Cataract House Hotel via Elemental Analysis
November 1st 2022Portable X-ray fluorescence was used to analyze the archaeological remains of an Underground Railroad station to gain a clearer understanding of the construction phases it underwent during the 19th century.
Determining Chromium, Iron, and Nickel in a Nickel-Based Alloy by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
February 1st 2022Accurate determination of the elemental composition of nickel-based alloys is essential, given their use in high-performance equipment. This XRF technique enables rapid and nondestructive detection, as an alternative to existing approaches.
Application of Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence to Agricultural Disease Research
November 2nd 2021In these studies, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) was used to examine differences in the elemental composition of agricultural samples, comparing healthy and diseased samples of okra, papaya, and rice. Both the mineral nutrient profiles (macro and micronutrients) and toxic metals were examined, revealing common patterns.
Small-Angle X-ray Scattering from Lamellar Structures
November 2nd 2021Lamellar structures, which are common in many polymeric materials and biological tissues, can diffract X-rays and give rise to reflections at small scattering angles. Analysis of these scattering features can be used investigate the deformation of lamellar structures at the microstructural length.
In X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, physical traceability chains are used to quantify the absolute elemental content in a sample. The physical traceability chain relies on absolute knowledge of the X-ray spectral distribution used for the excitation of the instrument and is currently used at synchrotron radiation facilities. Here, we discuss the transfer of the physical traceability chain to laboratory-based X-ray sources, which are often polychromatic, with the view to generate wider application of quantitative XRF analysis.
Energy Dispersive XRF in Soil Analysis for the Agrifood Sector
November 2nd 2021In the agrifood sector, soil sampling and analysis is a prerequisite for accurate fertilizer management and to monitor the accumulation of heavy metals in soils. In this study, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to analyze soils with variable textures (clay and sandy) and the percent recovery of elements was compared, as a measure of accuracy.