X-Ray Fluorescence Laboratory

IAEA Proficiency Test for XRF Laboratories:

The IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf are managing a worldwide proficiency test scheme "PTXRFIAEA". The scheme involves distribution of well characterized test samples to analytical laboratories in the Member States once per annum. The results of chemical composition analysis performed by the Member States laboratories are submitted to the IAEA for evaluation. For each exercise a summary report is prepared and delivered to the participants. Each laboratory is assigned a code known only to that laboratory and the IAEA, so that the participating laboratories can examine their results and assess their performance in a fully anonymous way.

Based on the results of the proficiency test laboratories can identify and eliminate deficiencies in their analytical procedures. Systematic participation in the proficiency exercises, at least once per year, is a must for laboratories providing analytical services. It is a requirement for the accredited laboratories following the analytical practices included in the ISO/IEC 17025 standard on "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories". The participation in the IAEA PTXRFIAEA proficiency test scheme is at no cost to the Agency's Member States laboratories. This proficiency test scheme was especially designed for the laboratories performing chemical composition analysis with the use of X-ray fluorescence and related analytical techniques. The laboratories interested in participation in the forthcoming tests should subscribe to the XRF mailing list at:

http://lists.iaea.org/mailman/listinfo/naalistxrflabs

All future announcements and invitations for participation in the forthcoming tests will be distributed through the mailing list.

The reports for the proficiency tests already carried out can be downloaded by using the links below:

PRACTICAL ON THE JOB FELLOWSHIP TRAINING COURSES

The Instrumentation Unit is conducting training courses on the methodology and application of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. The training courses, individual and group fellowship courses, are carried out in support to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programmes. The training programme can be tailored to the individual needs of fellows. The information on how to apply for fellowship training can be found on the Agency's Technical Cooperation Web pages. A generic fellowship training programme in the methodology and application of XRF techniques is shown here.

SUPPORT TO TC PROJECTS

The XRF laboratory actively participates in evaluation and implementation of TC projects. Several TC projects are supervised directly by the Instrumentation Unit staff. Support is also provided to the users in the Member States' laboratories through expert missions, consultancy services, and direct technical assistance. TC Programmes are also stimulated by organization and participation in meetings, workshops, and conferences with active involvement of external experts and consultants. List of recently attended meetings related to TC activities can be found here.

MICRO-BEAM X-RAY FLUORESCENCE METHODS

The micro-beam X-ray fluorescence system has been upgraded with second detector, a fast silicon drift device, and the position of the optical microscope has been changed to allow for on-line monitoring of the scanned area. The spectrometer software has been developed further (in cooperation with the Laboratory for Ion Beam Interactions, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia). In its present configuration, the spectrometer is utilized for mapping element distribution in heterogeneous samples, for identification of composition of individual particles and also for performing 2D and 3D tomographic imaging in X-ray fluorescence and/or X-ray absorption mode. Examples of applications of micro-beam XRF techniques include: element mapping in uranium contaminated soil, micro-porosity visualization with tomographic imaging, 3D tomographic imaging of element distributions using a laboratory X-ray tube source and synchrotron radiation.

IN SITU XRF ANALYSIS AND PORTABLE XRF SPECTROMETERS

Two portable XRF systems for in situ elemental analysis have been designed. A spectrometer based on radioisotope source excitation, which can be fully battery operated (standard camcoder battery), is devoted for screening measurements, geological prospecting but can also be used as laboratory XRF system. It is equipped with 3 radioisotope sources (55-Fe, 109-Cd, and 241-Am), Si-PIN (Peltier-cooled), and a multichannel analyzer.

A transportable spectrometer, designed and also manufactured in the IAEA Laboratories, utilizes low power (50 W) Pd-anode X-ray tube (air cooled). It has been equipped with a Si-PIN detector connected to a multichannel analyzer. The system has very flexible measuring head, it can be operated either in "direct excitation" mode or with the use of secondary target excitation. The main field of applications include, archaeometry, characterization of cultural heritage objects, fingerprinting and provenancing works of art, analysis of pigments, jewellery, etc.

XRF METHODS IN AIR POLLUTION MONITORING

Two air aerosol samplers are installed in a field sampling station in the laboratory premises, a high-volume sampler and a dichotomous Gent PM2.5/PM10 sampler. The samplers are utilized in the fellowship training programmes on the application of XRF technique in air pollution studies.

DATABASES

Two electronic databases are presently maintained by the XRF Laboratory: the Database for Accelerator-Based Analytical Techniques (A-BAT) and the Database for X-Ray Fluorescence Laboratories. We invite all users to browse the databases entries and to provide updated/new information, which help us to keep the databases up to date. Please, click here to enter the database pages.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL IN XRF LABORATORY

QA/QC systems are of importance for competing analytical laboratories as tools for achieving stable, high-quality analytical results fulfilling the traceability requirements. In the XRF laboratory the elements of QA/QC systems are developed for particular XRF methods.

COOPERATION WITH EXTERNAL INSTITUTES

The XRF Laboratory is closely cooperating with other groups and institutes on several projects involving applications of XRF methods. The major joint projects include:

Ion Beam Analytical Techniques - long-term project on utilization of PIXE, RBS and other ion beam based techniques for chemical analysis, in cooperation with Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Croatia.
Bronzart - Artistic Bronzes: Selection of Alloys, Protective Evaluation Using Conventional and Advanced Techniques, in cooperation with TU-Wien/Atominstitut Der Oesterreichischen Universitaeten, Austria.
Quantitative procedures for In situ XRF analysis - a project related to a custom 55-Fe/109-Cd in situ XRF spectrometer dispatched to Mars onboard of the Beagle2 lander, in cooperation with University of Leicester, Space Centre, England.
In situ XRF analysis of works of art - in preparation in cooperation with Kunsthistorisches Museum, Naturwissenschaftliches Labor, Vienna, Austria.
Fluorescence- absorption tomography on bones and particles - in cooperation with ANKA Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, Atomic Institute of the Austrian Universities, Vienna, Austria, KFKI Atomic Energy Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary, and Institute for Transuranium Elements, European Commission Joint Research Centre, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany