Hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

This Technical Brief describes the evolution of hand-held X-ray fluorescence instrumentation designed for inorganic elemental analysis outside the confines of a laboratory, thereby offering the capability for in situ analysis. As well as providing an overview of the instrumentation, it aims to inform both analysts and less-technically aware users how the technique may be used for a comprehensive assessment of a complex measurement problem and enable on-site decision making. This Technical Brief provides an overview and describes the evolution of hand-held X-ray fluorescence instrumentation designed for inorganic elemental analysis and how it can be used for in situ analysis and on-site decision making.