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M. Mantler, B. Beckhoff, M. Kolbe, O. Hahn, A.G. Karydas, Ch. Zarkadas, D. Sokaras:
"Reference-free x-ray fluorescence analysis of an ancient Chinese ceramic";
X-Ray Spectrometry, 36 (2007), 462 - 465.

The investigation of an ancient Chinese ceramic served to further develop and validate fundamental
parameter-based quantitation procedures in reference-free x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The XRF
measurements of this sample were performed at the four-crystal monochromator beamline of the
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation facility employing
different excitation energies. The parallel processing of the XRF spectra recorded at different excitation
energies provides a means to simultaneously evaluate relevant fundamental parameters and secondary
enhancement processes such as those induced by photoelectrons. Employing well-characterized and
absolutely calibrated instrumentation, all experimental parameters involved in XRF are known for small
relative uncertainties allowing for a completely reference-free quantitation. Apart from traces of rare earth
elements, the analytical results of the Chinese ceramic achieved by reference-free XRF are in line with
target values given within a proficiency test of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) involving
atomic and nuclear methods.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/xrs.1073

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/xrs.1073