Abstract – Dr. Alireza Somarin

Dr. Alireza Somarin, Department of Geology, Brandon University

Application of field portable XRF (FPXRF)

Abstract

XRF is a surface analysis technique in which a sample is bombarded with high-energy primary x-rays or gammas. This causes the sample to emit characteristic “secondary” (or fluorescent) x-rays, which are detected and plotted based on energy and intensity. The energy of a detected secondary x-ray is unique for each element, and the corresponding intensities are converted to concentrations and reported as percent (%) or part per million (ppm). XRF is a mature and dependable technology, and FPXRF devices host this capability in a small handheld 1.5 kg pistol package. Field-portable x-ray florescence (FPXRF) is a technique that is gaining momentum and acceptance in addressing applications in various fields in science.