5623.
WD (wavelength dispersive) XRF uses crystals to diffract the X-rays coming off the sample so that only a specific wavelength reaches the detector, meaning that your detectors only need to be sensitive to the intensity and not the wavelength of the X-rays, so you get better resolution and higher sensitivity to weaker energies. But, it’s a more complex system and requires a bigger piece of kit.
ED (energy dispersive) XRF uses a detector that can determine not only the intensity but also the wavelength of the photons striking it, so it detects all wavelengths it can at once, meaning it’s very fast (ideal for a handheld). However there’s much more overlap between the different peaks and the lower energies are closer together, so less resolution. And it’s less sensitive to weaker x-rays too, so it can’t detect some of the lighter elements WD can, nor low concentrations of elements.
Sure! X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the principle around which the technique is based. Broad spectrum (white) X-Rays beamed at a sample are absorbed by atoms, causing core electrons to be ejected; outer electrons drop into the inner shells, emitting lower energy x-rays of characteristic wavelengths. The wavelengths of these x-rays can be used to identify the elements comprising the sample.
WD (wavelength dispersive) XRF uses crystals to diffract the X-rays coming off the sample so that only a specific wavelength reaches the detector, meaning that your detectors only need to be sensitive to the intensity and not the wavelength of the X-rays, so you get better resolution and higher sensitivity to weaker energies. But, it’s a more complex system and requires a bigger piece of kit.
ED (energy dispersive) XRF uses a detector that can determine not only the intensity but also the wavelength of the photons striking it, so it detects all wavelengths it can at once, meaning it’s very fast (ideal for a handheld). However there’s much more overlap between the different peaks and the lower energies are closer together, so less resolution. And it’s less sensitive to weaker x-rays too, so it can’t detect some of the lighter elements WD can, nor low concentrations of elements.
