XRF Definitions

Common XRF Definitions

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Helium purge, v. Physics

Helium purge, v. Physics 1. The process of replacing the air present surrounding the x-ray tube and detector with helium gas to permit the direct analysis of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus and low levels of sulfur in a variety of sample types. 2. the method preferred over vacuum purge systems for analysis of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur resulting from its higher reliability and reduced potential for instrument contamination. 3. the technique employed by handheld Niton® XL3t 900 Series XRF analyzers for light element analysis in metal alloys, mining, and soil samples.
In·fin·i·ton, n. Physics

In·fin·i·ton, n. Physics 1. a radioisotope excitation source used in Thermo Scientific Niton XRF analyzers that never requires replacement 2. 30 mCi of Am-241 specially packaged to provide unique sample excitation and take advantage of our patented algorithms. [infinite + niton]
NDT, abrv., Non-Destructive Test, adv. Inspection

NDT, abrv., Non-Destructive Test, adv. Inspection 1. an investigation of a materials characteristics, including chemical composition; Niton Data Transfer, n. Software 1. A suite of powerful PC-based software tools supplied with each Niton XRF analyzer for advanced instrument setup and data management. Commonly used to quickly and easily document measurement results obtained in the field via tabular data or the popular "certificate print" option. See NDTr.
NDTr, abrv., Niton Data Transfer-remote, n, Software

NDTr, abrv., Niton Data Transfer-remote, n, Software 1. PC-based software for Niton analyzers that allows users to display results obtained on their instruments in real time on their computer. Permits users to control their instrument from a PC when the instrument is connected to a test stand, as well as conduct simultaneous datalogging of measurement data.
ni·ton, n. Physics

ni·ton, n. Physics 1. archaic term for radon gas. 2. now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world's leading manufacturer of handheld x-ray fluorescence analyzers.
Vacuum purge, v. Physics

Vacuum purge, v. Physics 1. the process of evacuating the air present surrounding the x-ray tube and detector to permit the direct analysis of magnesium, aluminum, and silicon in metal alloys. 2. an inferior method for light element analysis, as compared to helium purge, because of its reduced reliability and higher potential for instrument contamination.
Radioisotope, n. Physics

Radioisotope, n. Physics 1. One of two or more atoms having the same atomic number, but different numbers of neutrons. 2. The primary excitation source for portable XRF analyzers until we introduced the XLt in 2002. 3. see Infiniton.
XL2 Series, n. Physics

XL2 Series, n. Physics 1. The mid-range Niton XL2 analyzer offers high performance and advanced electronics while maintaining point-and-shoot simplicity. It is lightweight and ruggedly built to withstand the harshest environments, sealed against moisture and dust with 100% embedded software tools.
XL3 Series with Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD™) technology, n. Physics

XL3 Series with Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD™) technology, n. Physics 1. This handheld XRF analyzer joins advanced, proprietary electronics with versatile x-ray tubes and one of the largest area silicon drift detectors commercially available. It provides the highest sensitivity and measurement accuracy, plus the capability of measuring light elements without helium or vacuum purge. Achieve results on par with most laboratory-grade systems.
XL3p, n. Physics

XL3p, n. Physics 1. Third-generation handheld Niton XRF analyzer with Infiniton™ source optimized for numerous applications where local radiation control regulations limit the use of x-ray tube-based XRF analyzers. 2. an XRF analyzer equipped with an Infiniton source; the only XRF analyzer which never requires source replacement.
XL3t, n. Physics

XL3t, n. Physics 1. Third-generation handheld Thermo Scientific Niton XRF analyzer with the highest power x-ray tubes ever used in a portable XRF analyzer, providing users with faster measurements, lower detection limits, and higher throughput for improved productivity and profitability.
XLi, n. Physics

XLi, n. Physics 1. ultra-portable, ergonomically designed, XRF analyzer available with a suite of radioisotope excitation sources optimized for various applications, including in-service PMI testing and contaminated site assessment. 2. an XRF analyzer equipped with an Infiniton™ source.
XLp, n. Physics

XLp, n. Physics 1. pistol-shaped, ergonomically designed, XRF analyzer available with a suite of radioisotope excitation sources optimized for various applications, including scrap metal sorting and lead paint testing. 2. an XRF analyzer equipped with an Infiniton™ source.
XLt, n. Physics

XLt, n. Physics 1. the world's first commercial, high-performance x-ray tube-based XRF analyzer optimized for QA/QC, PMI, scrap metal sorting, and contaminated site assessment. 2. an XRF analyzer that minimizes the regulatory requirements often encountered with radioisotope-based XRF analyzers.
x-ray tube, n. Physics

x-ray tube, n. Physics 1. a vacuum tube containing electrodes,... accelerates electrons and directs them to a metal anode where their impact produces x-ray photons on demand.
XRF, abrv., x-ray fluo·res·cence, n. Physics

XRF, abrv., x-ray fluo·res·cence, n. Physics 1. the emission of x-rays from a substance during exposure to an external source of x-rays. 2. the process by which a nondestructive test for material composition is performed. 3. the technique, perfected by Niton in the 1990s and revolutionized at the turn of this century, whereby use are offered a choice of instrument platforms, excitation sources, calibration models and modes of operation, virtually guaranteeing at least one configuration optimized for their application.