Biomedical Applications of Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence

Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Dust Particles

Introduction: Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (SXRF) studies carried out on a microprobe endstation allow non-destructive analysis of both major and trace element abundances in particles only microns in size. The technique has been applied to IDPs captured in the stratosphere to study atmospheric entry effects such as stratospheric contamination and frictional heating [1, 2]. SXRF will also be a...

Synchrotron radiation-induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis

Synchrotron radiation-induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence (SR-TXRF) analysis is a high sensitive analytical technique that offers limits of detection in the femtogram range for most elements. Besides the analytical aspect, SR-TXRF is mainly used in combination with angle-dependent measurements and/or X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to gain additional informatio...

Forensic applications of X-ray fluorescence microscopy

The development of highly efficient X-ray optics has allowed the development of bench-top XRF systems which have high intensity X-ray beams with diameters ranging from 10 micrometres through to a few millimetres. Coupled with integrated high magnification optical cameras, these systems are ideally suited to the needs of the forensic scientist. A microscopic particle from a crime scene can be an...

Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence and secondary ion mass spectrometry in tree ring microanalysis: applications to dendroanalysis

Mining operations in the Sudbury district of northern Ontario have resulted in environmental damage caused by acid rain and heavy metal pollution. Remedial liming (Ca/MgCO3) has been used in an attempt to restore the pH of the lake water and soil to natural levels. The spatial and temporal variation of metal concentrations in the annual growth rings of trees may be a useful indicator of the eff...

X-Ray Fluorescence Microtomography in Biological Applications