X-ray Analysis

In a recent study, researchers used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis to determine how pottery vessels uncovered at Saqqara degraded over thousands of years.

A team of scientists recently analyzed a collection of late Roman vessels discovered in the United Kingdom.

A new study presents a novel WDXRF approach in determining carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen content in coal.

A team of researchers has conducted a successful round-robin test using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) to analyze the elemental composition of rat tissue samples. The preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of TXRF in accurately determining the elemental composition of mammalian tissue.

Researchers have utilized an integrated wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer technique to comprehensively analyze bromine, iodine, and other components in soil samples, demonstrating an innovative method for quantitative elemental analysis of complex matrix geological samples.

Machine 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.

Both RXES and NEXS are commonly used in in situ studies at high pressure and high temperature to investigate the electronic and structural changes of materials under extreme conditions. A new study explores both techniques when analyzing iron-bearing compounds.

The use of ICP-MS is constantly expanding into an ever-wider variety of applications. We assess the current landscape and where the technique is going in the future.

Catherine Niu, a professor at the College of Engineering of the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and co-author of this paper, spoke to Spectroscopy about how she and her associates used X-ray photoelectron spectra and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy analysis in their research.

Harishchandra Singh, Graham King and associates have employed high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HE-SXRD) experiments and an analytical model in order to predict the yield strength of cerium-modified super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) subjected to various cold- and cryo-deformation. Spectroscopy recently had the opportunity to discuss the experiments and the findings with Singh and King.

In 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.

Portable 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.

Raman and XRF spectroscopy were used to examine paint in artwork, revealing the potential of both techniques to verify the authenticity of famous works of art.

In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to analyze heavy metals in five traditional Mongolian medicines, and the results were compared to those obtained using ICP-MS.

What can spectroscopic techniques, such as portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF), reveal about the sarsen megaliths of Stonehenge and where they originated?

Accurate 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.

In 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.

Lamellar 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.

In 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.

As this study demonstrates, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and multivariate statistical analysis can be used to distinguish different classes of historical artifacts, such as ancient pottery—revealing insights about theirs origin and uses.

Here, a series of developing methods is presented for locating and analyzing deeply buried late Pleistocene archaeological sites, which includes the initial investigation of the geomorphology of a potential archaeological site with a suite of analytical geochemical techniques.

Phosphogypsum can be used as an intermediary material to produce cement clinker. To monitor the quality of phosphogypsum cement, a novel molecular layer deposition X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis method using a glass frit was developed.

In our annual presentation of trends in X-ray analysis, experts in the field provide updates on recent developments in X-ray analysis, focusing on the technique and relevant applications.

L. Robert Baker is an associate professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. His research focuses on X-ray spectroscopy, nonlinear and time-resolved spectroscopy, the chemistry of surfaces and interface science, and energy conversion and catalysis—work that may lead to better solar energy conversion materials. He is the winner of the 2021 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, which is presented by Spectroscopy magazine. This annual award, begun in 2017, recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist, selected by an independent scientific committee.