Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Energy Dispersive X-ray Tomography for 3D Elemental Mapping of Individual Nanoparticles
Published on: July 5, 2016
Trace element analysis by particle and photon-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy
1Institut für Experimentalphysik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Postfach 102148, D-4630 Bochum, F.R.G.
Particle- and photon-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy are vital for trace element analysis, particularly with limited sample sizes. This review covers their physical principles, methods, and applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Physics
Background:
- Trace element analysis is crucial across various scientific disciplines.
- Limited sample availability presents a significant challenge in elemental analysis.
- X-ray emission spectroscopy offers a sensitive method for elemental detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the analytical applications of particle- and photon-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy.
- To elucidate the physical basis and experimental procedures of these techniques.
- To present typical examples showcasing their utility in trace element analysis.
Main Methods:
- Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectroscopy.
- Photon-Induced X-ray Emission (PHOX) spectroscopy.
- Review of physical principles, experimental setups, and data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of PIXE and PHOX as powerful tools for trace element quantification.
- Highlighting the effectiveness of these methods for analyzing small sample volumes.
- Presentation of diverse analytical applications across different fields.
Conclusions:
- Particle- and photon-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy are indispensable for trace element analysis.
- These techniques are particularly advantageous when dealing with scarce sample materials.
- The reviewed methodologies provide a robust framework for elemental characterization.
More Related Videos
07:55Elemental-sensitive Detection of the Chemistry in Batteries through Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering
Published on: April 17, 2018
07:24Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis
Published on: May 10, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...