X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF)

X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) enables rapid identification of the elements that comprise a sample. Chemical bonding information is not revealed; hence the technique applies mostly to metals and plating analysis. XRF is particularly useful to detect lead or lead residue in devices that are alleged to be lead-free. Since vacuum is not required, large samples can be readily analyzed. Plating thickness can be verified rapidly and non-destructively, without the need for cross-section.