30 June 2025
Instituto Superior Técnico - Campus Alameda
Europe/Lisbon timezone

Quantitative and qualitative methods in elemental analysis via X-Ray fluorescence for materials' characterization

30 Jun 2025, 14:45
15m
PA1 (Instituto Superior Técnico - Campus Alameda)

PA1

Instituto Superior Técnico - Campus Alameda

Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa
PIC2 Project Particle Physics

Speaker

Inês da Trindade Abreu (LIP/IST)

Description

This project focused on the initial work and methodology for a thesis project on the qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of alumina (Al2O3) crystals doped with various elements, using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The broader thesis aims to adapt and optimize the existing X-ray fluorescence setup at FCUL to identify and quantify dopants within alumina crystals as accurately as possible. Initial measurements showed accurate characterization of metallic samples with higher atomic numbers, while challenges remain in reliably detecting lower atomic number elements such as aluminum (Z=13) and sulfur (Z=16). A characterization of the incident radiation field was performed to better understand its interaction with the samples and improve measurement accuracy. Future work will focus on implementing advanced analytical software tools and Monte Carlo simulations to enhance data analysis and validate experimental results, as well as exploration of alternative processes to X-ray fluorescence in order to reduce disperse radiation.

Primary author

Presentation materials