X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

• • Samples irradiated w/ X-ray or Gamma rays --> Ionization of sample
  • High energy radiation BOMBARD sample --> Ejection of electron(s) from inner orbitals
  • Vacancy filled by electrons from higher energy shell
  • Emission of X-ray fluorescence radiation = Energy distribution for a particular element
• • Useful and easy to determine the elemental composition of sample
  • Assign peak to diff. atoms
• e.g. K shell ejected --> L shell fill vacancy