X-ray Analysis

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.

HSI is widely applied in fields such as remote sensing, environmental analysis, medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensics, material science, agriculture, and food science, driving advancements in research, development, and quality control.

The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.

A new study published in the Journal of the European Ceramic Society introduces three XPS methodologies for accurately quantifying oxygen vacancies in metal oxides, challenging traditional misinterpretations and advancing material science research.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, FT-IR, NIR, ICP-MS, Fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs.

A 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 recent review article examines the historical progression of analytical techniques in geochemical sciences, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Spectroscopic 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.

Spectroscopic 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 recent study introduced a new scanning X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanner that improves analysis of cultural heritage artifacts.

A recent study used fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to characterize a painted shroud wrapped around a female Egyptian mummy.

A recent study from Cork, Ireland, used x-ray fluorescence to study three Irish chalices to learn more about Irish history and art.

Spectroscopic 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.

A recent study discusses the recent upgrades to the infrared (IR) beamline at BESSY II storage ring, which has helped it improve its results when conducting IR microscopy.

Here are the top five articles that the editors of Spectroscopy published this week.

In a study led by scientists from Northwest University in Xi’an, China, carbon quantum dots were tested on how well they can detect hypochlorite and aid in cellular imaging.

A 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.

Triethylaminium picrate (TEAP) crystals were developed using a slow evaporation solution growth method and then characterized for their feasibility in optoelectronic and other uses.

Studying 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.

Researchers 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 team devised a method for recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric cars.

Scientists faced challenges when using XRF on artifacts that contain many layers.

In a new study, a group of researchers explored the performance of multi-hole collimators with varying geometries and material compositions in a full-field XRF spectrometer based on the 2D-THCOBRA gas detector.

A 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.

X-ray emission induced by charged particles, also known as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), is a powerful analytical technique for the elemental and chemical characterization of materials.

A recent study shows how near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was integrated to create a new coal calorific value analyzer.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), have brought significant breakthroughs in high-energy-density Li metal batteries.

A recent investigation of the optical emission of plasma on industrial steel samples using LA-SD-OES and LIBS revealed new findings about the oxide composition of the slag layer.

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is the first successful attempt to land on the moon’s southern region and has uncovered several noteworthy discoveries on the lunar south pole using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and other spectroscopic techniques.

Arzak Mohamed from Macquarie University in Australia broke down how she uses spectroscopy to analyze ancient manuscripts.