January 25th 2025
In recent years, advances in X-ray optics and detectors have enabled the commercialization of laboratory μXRF spectrometers with spot sizes of ~3 to 30 μm that are suitable for routine imaging of element localization, which was previously only available with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). This new technique opens a variety of new μXRF applications in the food and agricultural sciences, which have the potential to provide researchers with valuable data that can enhance food safety, improve product consistency, and refine our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental uptake and homeostasis in agricultural crops. This month’s column takes a more detailed look at some of those application areas.
Handheld X-Ray Technology Unveils New Forensic Tool
September 16th 2024A recent study by researchers at the University of Porto demonstrates the potential of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to analyze cigarette ash, providing a new method for forensic investigation. This non-destructive technique can differentiate between various tobacco brands based on the elemental composition of their ash.
A Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Agriculture Analysis
September 4th 2024Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of agricultural products. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting important quality parameters, adulteration, insects and rodent infestation, ripening, and other essential applications are discussed.
A Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Food and Beverage Analysis
August 7th 2024Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of processed foods and beverages. This review article emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting quality, contaminants, and adulteration applications are thoroughly discussed.
A Brief Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Environmental Analysis
June 18th 2024Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed.
University of Pennsylvania Graduate Researcher Wins SPIE Medical Imaging Student Paper Award
March 14th 2024A PhD student in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania has won the 2024 Physics of Medical Imaging Student Paper Award, which is given out annually by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), at the Medical Imaging Symposium in San Diego, California.
Advancements in Non-Invasive Analysis of Historical Metal Artifacts
December 19th 2023Studying historical ancient artifacts requires the use of a nondestructive technique to analyze the metal surfaces of these objects. This study presents two approaches that improves on existing methods when conducting alloy analysis.
Unraveling Polyester Fibers with Advanced X-Ray Techniques
December 5th 2023Researchers at Kochi University and RIKEN have unveiled a new method for distinguishing individual polyester fibers in forensic investigations. Published in Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy, their advanced X-ray analysis refreshes how we unravel the composition of these fibers.
The Impact of Heterogeneity Micro-Beam XRF Scanning Spectroscopy for Environmental Analysis
November 22nd 2023A new study published in Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy investigated the effects of heterogeneity, including grain size and mineralogical composition, on micro-beam X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning spectroscopy. XRF is a useful tool for environmental analysis, because of its high spatial resolution.