Free Webinar - Choosing the Right Calibration for Your Samples: Fundamental Parameters (FP) vs Empirical Calibration

Register for the FREE Webinar using the form.

Scheduled for Wed, February 20, 2019 from 1:00 to 1:45 pm CST

Learn about the latest Materials Analysis best practices.

Handheld XRF analyzers hold a unique position in the world of EDXRF.  They frequently come pre-calibrated for a particular material, and many users never see into the function and basis of that calibration, but trust in the manufacturer’s programming.  HHXRF analysis is generally accomplished using one of two forms of calibration:

• Empirical calibration

• Fundamental Parameters (FP)

Some from laboratory backgrounds distrust the “black box” of an FP calibration and demand the ability to build their own calibrations from known standards; Other analysts prefer to trust the versatility of the pre-calibrated FP.  Most HHXRF users never ask about the foundation of their analyzer:

• What kind of calibration does it have? 
• What are the limitations of that calibration? 
• Can I improve that calibration for my materials? 

We will explain the two main types of calibration found on HHXRF analyzers, both Fundamental Parameters and Empirical Calibration.  We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each calibration type, and talk about the different uses for which each is intended.  We will also touch on when you should consider creating a custom empirical calibration, and what you need to do so.

Presenters

Erika Pfeiffer

Erika Pfeiffer serves in the capacity of Training Coordinator and Customer Support for Metal Analysis Group. She provides technical support, training, and consulting across all market areas for our customers.

Erika holds B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Geological Sciences and has nearly 15 years of experience as Field/Laboratory Chemist and Geologist in both the industrial and government sectors, including work for Los Alamos National Laboratory and the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency.

Erika excels in teaching science to non-scientists and making complex topics understandable by a wide range of students. She has taught at the College/University Level, as well as in corporate and laboratory settings and has recently co-authored a series of training courses aimed at Spark-OES, HH-XRF, and ICP-OES users. Erika resides in Detroit, Michigan, enjoys sailing and traveling, and explores the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean whenever possible.

CHRIS CAROLAN

Chris serves as the Gulf Coast Sales Representative, Rental Coordinator, and Marketing Consultant for MAG. He has worked in Elemental Analysis for Oil & Gas and related industries for over 12 years connecting with customers at each point in the supply chain. Spending most of his career in reference material manufacturing, Chris has learned a great deal about troubleshooting specific customer scenarios and applications. Gaining experience in production, quality control, marketing, and sales, Chris is eager to put that experience and knowledge to use by helping customers create unique solutions that save money and increase profits.