A review of the handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer as a tool for field geologic investigations on Earth and in planetary surface exploration

• Published in: Applied geochemistry Vol. 72; pp. 77 - 87
• Main Authors: Young, Kelsey E., Evans, Cynthia A., Hodges, Kip V., Bleacher, Jacob E., Graff, Trevor G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Goddard Space Flight Center Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2016; Science Direct
• Subjects: calcium; Field portable technology; Field spectroscopy; fluorescence; geochemistry; Geosciences (General); Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (hXRF); In situ field geologic instrument; In situ geochemistry; Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration; magnesium; Planetary field geology; potassium; silicon; sodium; spectrometers; spectroscopy; titanium; X-radiation; Planetary field geology; In situ field geologic instrument; Field spectroscopy; Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (hXRF); In situ geochemistry; Field portable technology
• ISSN: 0883-2927; 1872-9134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2016.07.003

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a well-established and commonly used technique in obtaining diagnostic compositional data on geological samples. Recently, developments in X-ray tube and detector technologies have resulted in miniaturized, field-portable instruments that enable new applications both in and out of standard laboratory settings. These applications, however, have not been extensively applied to geologic field campaigns. This study investigates the feasibility of using developing handheld XRF (hXRF) technology to enhance terrestrial field geology, with potential applications in planetary surface exploration missions. We demonstrate that the hXRF is quite stable, providing reliable and accurate data continuously over a several year period. Additionally, sample preparation is proved to have a marked effect on the strategy for collecting and assimilating hXRF data. While the hXRF is capable of obtaining data that are comparable to laboratory XRF analysis for several geologically-important elements (such as Si, Ca, Ti, and K), the instrument is unable to detect other elements (such as Mg and Na) reliably. While this limits the use of the hXRF, especially when compared to laboratory XRF techniques, the hXRF is still capable of providing the field user with significantly improved contextual awareness of a field site, and more work is needed to fully evaluate the potential of this instrument in more complex geologic environments. •We evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and best practices for using handheld XRF.•The handheld XRF (hXRF) is a valuable tool for terrestrial field geology.•The hXRF provides data for some elements that is comparable to laboratory XRF instruments.•When using the hXRF, sample preparation affects data analysis and interpretation.