Scanning X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microspectroscopy is a well-established technique to
provide two- or three-dimensional information on the elemental distributions in the probed
sample volume down to trace level detection limits. The method is based on the use of an Xray
micro/nanobeam to perform 2D/3D raster scans on the investigated samples, typically
collecting the XRF point spectra using single-element energy-dispersive detectors.
The UGent XMI-group is currently acquiring a unique CCD camera prototype (X-ray Colour
Camera, IFG - Institute for Scientific Instruments GmbH, Berlin, Germany) which has the
ability to record spatially and spectrally resolved images simultaneously by measuring the
position of single photons and their energy simultaneously in the energy range of 3-40 keV
[1,2]. The new detection system offers new applications in X-ray microanalysis, especially
with respect to 2D/3D elemental imaging, including X-ray fluorescence microtomography.
This project aims the development and applications of a novel full-field X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) imaging approach using the above mentioned two-dimensional energy-dispersive
detection system for non-destructive elemental microanalysis. The approach will likely
represent a new stage of development in 2D/3D elemental imaging with a broad range of
applications in life and environmental science, geo-, cosmochemistry and archaeology.