X-ray Analysis

A leading-edge review led by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and MIT explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the study of molecular vibrations and phonon dynamics. From infrared and Raman spectroscopy to neutron and X-ray scattering, AI is transforming how scientists interpret vibrational spectra and predict material behaviors.

A new study recently demonstrated how micro-PIXE spectroscopy can effectively trace the elemental sources of air pollution in urban and indoor environments in India.

Researchers have demonstrated that heat treatment significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of additively manufactured TC4 titanium alloy by transforming its microstructure, offering valuable insights for aerospace applications.

This research investigates the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and machine learning (ML) for detecting elemental composition of food, using rice as an example.

University of Granada researchers compared different methods and their effectiveness in classifying ink found in historical documents.

A new approach to analyzing bituminous coals was created using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

With Pittcon 2025 officially beginning, here are some notable upcoming workshops based around the advancement of spectroscopy.

Spectroscopy recently sat down with Dr. Geraldine Monjardez and two of her coauthors, Dr. Christopher Zall and Dr. Jared Estevanes, to discuss their most recent study, which examined the crystal structure of ammonium nitrate (AN) following exposure to explosive events.

In recent years, advances in X-ray optics and detectors have enabled the commercialization of laboratory μXRF spectrometers with spot sizes of ~3 to 30 μm that are suitable for routine imaging of element localization, which was previously only available with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). This new technique opens a variety of new μXRF applications in the food and agricultural sciences, which have the potential to provide researchers with valuable data that can enhance food safety, improve product consistency, and refine our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental uptake and homeostasis in agricultural crops. This month’s column takes a more detailed look at some of those application areas.

HSI is widely applied in fields such as remote sensing, environmental analysis, medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensics, material science, agriculture, and food science, driving advancements in research, development, and quality control.

The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.

A new study published in the Journal of the European Ceramic Society introduces three XPS methodologies for accurately quantifying oxygen vacancies in metal oxides, challenging traditional misinterpretations and advancing material science research.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, FT-IR, NIR, ICP-MS, Fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Porto demonstrates the potential of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to analyze cigarette ash, providing a new method for forensic investigation. This non-destructive technique can differentiate between various tobacco brands based on the elemental composition of their ash.

A recent review article examines the historical progression of analytical techniques in geochemical sciences, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of agricultural products. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting important quality parameters, adulteration, insects and rodent infestation, ripening, and other essential applications are discussed.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of processed foods and beverages. This review article emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting quality, contaminants, and adulteration applications are thoroughly discussed.

A recent study introduced a new scanning X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanner that improves analysis of cultural heritage artifacts.

A recent study used fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to characterize a painted shroud wrapped around a female Egyptian mummy.

A recent study from Cork, Ireland, used x-ray fluorescence to study three Irish chalices to learn more about Irish history and art.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed.

A recent study discusses the recent upgrades to the infrared (IR) beamline at BESSY II storage ring, which has helped it improve its results when conducting IR microscopy.

Here are the top five articles that the editors of Spectroscopy published this week.

In a study led by scientists from Northwest University in Xi’an, China, carbon quantum dots were tested on how well they can detect hypochlorite and aid in cellular imaging.

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.

Triethylaminium picrate (TEAP) crystals were developed using a slow evaporation solution growth method and then characterized for their feasibility in optoelectronic and other uses.

Studying historical ancient artifacts requires the use of a nondestructive technique to analyze the metal surfaces of these objects. This study presents two approaches that improves on existing methods when conducting alloy analysis.

Researchers at Kochi University and RIKEN have unveiled a new method for distinguishing individual polyester fibers in forensic investigations. Published in Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy, their advanced X-ray analysis refreshes how we unravel the composition of these fibers.

The team devised a method for recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric cars.

Scientists faced challenges when using XRF on artifacts that contain many layers.