TXRF Analysis
Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is an elemental analysis technique that is notable for its ability to detect metallic elements in trace amounts with a relatively simple and inexpensive setup. TXRF is used across a wide variety of industries for surface characterization and contaminant detection.

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What is TXRF analysis used for?
TXRF is primarily used to carry out elemental analysis of sample surfaces, therefore finding numerous applications in fields like material science and polymer chemistry, where it can be used to characterize and investigate the surfaces of newly developed materials. It can also provide wafer mapping of the elemental composition.
TXRF can be used in metallurgy and similar physical studies to test the composition of metallic and alloy surfaces. It also finds use in geological and environmental sciences for investigating the composition of naturally occurring materials.
How does TXRF work?
TXRF analysis begins by generating a monochromatic X-ray beam, which is directed at the surface of a sample at a very shallow angle, usually less than 0.5° with respect to the plane of the surface. This means that the beam only effectively ‘grazes’ the surface of the sample. As the beam interacts with the atoms on the sample surface, it will cause electrons to move between energy levels. In turn, this will cause them to release distinctive photons of energy in a process called fluorescence.
The fluoresced photons are picked up by a detector and their respective energies and magnitudes are recorded. The energy of each photon is specific to the element that it was emitted from, and their relative magnitudes reflect the quantities that each element is present in. Through this, it is possible to determine the precise elemental composition of the sample, including elements that are only present in trace amounts. TXRF cannot, however, detect elements with an atomic number below 11.
Suitable samples and sample preparation
TXRF is typically performed on solid samples in the form of very fine powders or thin film depositions. Liquids, solutions, and suspensions can also be analyzed. To do this, a droplet is deposited on a sample plate and dried to form a thin, flat surface. Additional preparation steps, such as dilution, may be required if the sample contains salts or suspended particles, which may induce matrix interference.
TXRF vs XRF
Fundamentally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and TXRF work in the same way. The difference arises as the TXRF setup is designed specifically to reduce the amount of scattered and absorbed X-rays, and instead maximizes the amount of fluorescence that occurs. This in turn produces a very high signal-to-noise ratio and allows the technique to have a far higher sensitivity than conventional XRF. This means it can detect elements in trace quantities, which is amplified by its ability to focus on extremely small sections of a sample, ultimately providing more in-depth analysis.
Suitable sample matrices
- Thin films
- Finely powdered solids
- Suspension depositions
- Dried liquids
- Polymers
Ideal uses of TXRF
- Elemental analysis
- Trace element detection
- Water quality assessment
- Environmental studies
- Wafer mapping
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Frequently asked questions
As light elements do not emit X-rays as effectively as heavier elements, TXRF cannot detect elements that are lighter than sodium (Na). The detection limit is also higher than that of ICP-MS.
TXRF is better-suited for trace element analysis than traditional XRF, as its sensitivity is higher and it is less susceptible to background noise. When compared with other trace element detection techniques like ICP-MS, TXRF is relatively cost-effective and easy to use.
Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.
When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.
Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.