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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.