ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Field portable energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (FP-EDXRF) spectrometers are becoming a standard tool for non-destructive analysis of metals. This article discusses the major issues related to the infield use of such equipments. The quantitative analysis of alloys is in principle possible with some restrictions due to the measuring conditions. The difficulties for a quantitative analysis and some evaluation of instrumental error are presented. Finally, the possibility to use such systems for the assay of ancient gold artefacts is shortly discussed.
