XRF Calibration Demystified: Standards vs. “Standardless” Screening, Getting Quantitative with XRF: Building Calibrations that Deliver, Standardless vs Calibrated XRF Analysis | Which Method Works?

Not all XRF is “absolute.” In this episode, Qiaona Zhang and Lieven Kempenaers explain why calibration matters, how to build one that matches your matrix, and when a “standardless” screening approach is useful for indicative results. You’ll learn how standards, prep routes (pressed vs. fused), and consistent procedures turn intensities into trustworthy concentrations.

What you’ll learn
– Why XRF is comparative and needs matrix‑matched standards.
– Conventional calibrations vs. universal/screening (“standardless”) analyses—pros and cons.
– Why matching sample prep between standards and unknowns is critical for reproducibility.

Next up: sample preparation—the #1 source of XRF error and how to control it. Subscribe to catch Episode 3

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:12 Why XRF Needs Calibration
00:42 XRF as a Comparison Technique
01:06 Two Calibration Methods (Conventional vs Screening)
01:59 Choosing the Right Calibration Standards
02:23 How Calibration Lines Are Built
03:12 Matching Prep Between Standards & Samples
03:49 Running an XRF Measurement After Calibration
04:18 Conventional Calibration: Pros & Cons
04:42 Standardless / Screening XRF Explained
05:49 Using Both Approaches Together
06:02 Summary & Next Episode Teaser

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