Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Preparing Adherent Cells for X-ray Fluorescence Imaging by Chemical Fixation
Published on: March 12, 2015
Use of total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis in the life sciences
1Atominstitute, Austrian Universities, Vienna.
Abstract:
Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (TXRF) is accepted as a powerful analytical tool. TXRF is basically an energy-dispersive technique with the sample excitated in total reflection geometry. Simultaneous detection of almost all chemical elements and lower limits of detection for medium Z elements in the range of a few hundred fg are achievable at optimized excitation conditions. Aqueous and acidic solutions are the preferred sample types, so a lot of applications in the life sciences are given. For solids and other samples, special preparation techniques are required.
Related Concept Videos
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Photoluminescence: Applications
Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

