Hyperspectral XRF imaging
Full-field elemental mapping without mechanical scanning.
Also known as: full-field XRF mapping (FF-XRF), full-field XRF imaging, spectral XRF imaging.
Hyperspectral XRF imaging is an approach to elemental mapping that removes the need for point-by-point scanning. A larger sample area is illuminated, and a complete X-ray fluorescence spectrum is recorded in parallel across a two-dimensional detector.
Using a pnCCD based Colour X-Ray Camera (CXC), spatial position and photon energy are measured simultaneously. Elemental maps are generated from a single measurement, with reduced mechanical complexity and stable spatial registration.
A simpler way to add XRF mapping
Hyperspectral full-field XRF avoids many of the mechanical and control challenges associated with scanning systems. There is no requirement for microfocused beams, precision scanning stages, or tight synchronisation between motion and data acquisition.
The CXC records the full field of view at once, allowing XRF mapping to be integrated into existing setups with minimal additional infrastructure.
Key points
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No mechanical sample scanning
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No stepwise motion control or scan optimisation
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Stable spatial alignment across the full dataset
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Well suited to retrofitting XRF mapping into existing instruments
Reduced dose rate through distributed illumination
In scanning XRF mapping, achieving useful counting statistics often requires concentrating high photon flux into a small spot. For dose-sensitive samples, this localised exposure can be limiting.
Hyperspectral full-field XRF distributes the incident flux over a much larger area. This reduces the photon flux density at any single point on the sample, while still capturing spatially resolved spectral information across the entire field of view.
Key Points
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Lower local dose rate compared to focused-beam scanning
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Beneficial for beam-sensitive or fragile samples
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Efficient use of available photon flux across large areas
Robust mapping on uneven samples
Scanning XRF systems rely on maintaining a well-defined source-to-sample distance. For uneven, tilted, or non-planar samples, this can be difficult and may require active height tracking or frequent refocusing.
In a full-field approach, the illuminated area is fixed and the detector records fluorescence photons independent of small height variations across the sample. This makes hyperspectral XRF imaging more tolerant of surface topography and irregular sample shapes.
Key Points
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No requirement for constant working distance during acquisition
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Well suited to rough, curved, or non-flat samples
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Reduced sensitivity to sample height variations
Clear and well-defined pixels
In scanning XRF, the definition of a “pixel” is often ambiguous. The X-ray spot is typically circular, while maps are displayed on a square grid. This can lead to partial illumination, oversampling, or overlap between adjacent pixels, which then requires interpolation or correction.
With hyperspectral full-field XRF, a pixel is defined directly by the detector. Each sensor pixel corresponds to a fixed spatial region through the imaging optics, and its spectrum is recorded independently.
Key Points
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One detector pixel corresponds to one spatial element
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No ambiguity from spot shape or step size
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No interpolation or pixel overlap correction required
Imaging optics and full-field spectroscopy
Because X-ray fluorescence is emitted isotropically, imaging optics are required to preserve spatial information between the sample and the detector. These optics map positions on the sample to corresponding regions on the detector.
The CXC measures the energy and position of every detected photon, allowing different optical approaches to be combined with full spectroscopic analysis.
Key Points
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Polycapillary imaging optics for direct spatial mapping
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Pinhole projection for simple, flexible geometries
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Coded apertures for advanced full-field configurations
Learn more
If you are interested in hyperspectral full-field XRF imaging, or would like to understand how Colour X-Ray Camera (CXC) systems can be used in your experimental setup, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
If you are specifically looking for commercially available systems built on this core technology, explore our range of Colour X-Ray Camera (CXC) products here.