3. Practical analysis

3.1 Qualitative, quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis

Since the main application of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is elemental chemical analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, the equipment and the protocols for its use have been designed to facilitate the task of users, who are generally chemists. As with any analytical operation, there are three successive phases:

• sample preparation and positioning ;

• measurements, both on the sample and on any standards used;

• conversion of measurement results into analysis bulletins.