A Nuclear Physics Technique for Detecting Trace Elements
in People, Archeological Artifacts, Eagles and More
Dr. Michelle Arnold
Physics Department
Weber State University
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can be used to non-invasively measure trace amounts
of elements. Typically a radioactive source is used to excite the atoms
of interest in the sample, and as the electrons in the atoms de-excite, the
characteristic x-rays emitted can be detected outside the sample. XRF
can be used to measure elements such as lead, arsenic, gold, silver, copper,
etc. The non-invasive nature of this technique makes it particularly
advantageous for measuring humans for toxicology reasons, as well as artifacts
and other samples which can not be destroyed in any way. A summary
of the field of XRF, focusing on current research being conducted at Weber
State will be presented.