X-Ray Fluorescence | X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy instrumentation

Whether you’re mapping the elemental distribution of materials, analyzing small spots, or identifying unknown samples, our highly flexible Thermo Scientific ARL X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometers give you the quick, reliable results you need. These instruments are used in every field and industry, including mining and metals, cement, pharmaceuticals, consumer and food safety, environmental compliance, high-tech electronics, materials research, forensics, geology, archaeology, and even art preservation.

XRF Table of Elements

Periodic table of elements analyzed by XRF

Get qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis at concentration levels ranging from sub parts-per-million (ppm) to 100% concentrations. For example, our benchtop Thermo Scientific ARL QUANT’X EDXRF Spectrometer shows high sensitivity across the periodic table—improving precision and detection limits compared to previous versions. It is now available with an improved silicon drift detector (SDD500G) that delivers spectacular improvements in sensitivity for light elements such as fluorine, and even extending the analytical range down to carbon. The instrument comes with an adjustable beam size to bridge the gap between bulk and micro XRF without compromise. For applications needing the highest resolutions, wavelength dispersive XRF is the answer. Our sequential Thermo Scientific ARL PERFORM’X WDXRF Spectrometer can analyze from beryllium (Be) to americium (Am) in various types of samples. The ARL PERFORM’X can also measure small spots of 0.5 mm and perform elemental mapping that are defined thanks to an integrated CCD camera.

XRF materials analysis

Easily analyze a broad range of materials including conductive and non-conductive solids, liquids, loose powders, pressed pellets, fusion beads, pastes, granules and coatings. Many sample types can be analyzed using our spectrometers, with the ability to optimize the instrument for your specific application needs. In addition, our versatile, state-of-the-art instruments are efficient and easy to operate, helping manufacturers and researchers across a wide range of applications solve their most challenging tasks.

A large variety of samples

XRF quantitative analysis

Take advantage of superior detection capabilities and exceptionally fast measurement times to accelerate your laboratory and process control research. Our instruments provide major, minor, and trace element quantification across the broadest range of samples—letting you get composition data on virtually any sample in just 10 to 60 seconds per element. The ARL QUANT’X EDXRF handles high count rates at good resolutions, bringing top performance from light to heavy elements. Meanwhile, our WDXRF spectrometers offer a high level of precision and repeatability, thanks to temperature regulation of the spectrometer and crystals.

WDXRF (top graph) and EDXRF (graph below) spectra comparison

Minimal sample preparation for EDXRF and WDXRF analysis

Obtain quick and easy analysis of a wide range of samples with minimal sample preparation. Our ARL QUANT’X EDXRF instrument enables quick and easy analysis of even irregular samples with little-to-no sample preparation—with a choice of large sample chambers that allow for the analysis of samples up to 37 centimeters high (14.6'') and larger. Meanwhile, our WDXRF instruments offer standard test methods and factory calibrations for a wide range of applications due to their outstanding sensitivity and high resolution. Many of our models include an integrated sample changer that permits automatic analysis of batches of samples.

No sample prep needed for most samples

Elemental unknown sample analysis

Benefit from unrivaled precision in the standard-less analysis of any sample with the exclusive Thermo Scientific UniQuant Analysis Software or the scan-based QuantAS. UniQuant Software for Standardless XRF Analysis provides semi-quantitative to quantitative analysis of unknown samples using a powerful methodology based on Fundamental Parameters and proprietary algorithms for XRF data processing. Whether your samples are multi-element solids, pressed powder with or without binder, small samples on supporting film, liquids, or filter aerosol samples, UniQuant Software offers reliable elemental identification in minutes. QuantAS is an easy-to-use semi-quantitative analysis tool for metals, pressed pellets and liquids that delivers percentages for 70 elements in as short as 3 minutes.

Learn more

UniQuant provides quick analysis of up to 79 elements

Automated XRF analysis

Improve sample throughput and repeatability while lowering production costs with a fully automated system that can be customized to meet your specific requirements. Our automated systems provide the ultimate power and flexibility for automatic, unattended round-the-clock operation. Tasks can be performed in parallel, with samples introduced or analyzed as other samples are being prepared. Even the most complex samples can be prepared and analyzed under reproducible conditions without operator intervention—eliminating human variables and subjective factors.