ICDD X-ray Fluorescence Course

X-ray Fluorescence Course

24 – 28 March 2025

Let Our Team of Experts Help You Take Your Skills to the Next Level

During the past five decades, the use of X-ray analytical methods has increased in the areas of materials characterization and phase identification. The wide range of applicability of the X-ray fluorescence method has made it a technique employed in thousands of laboratories all over the world.

I was delighted to find the scope of the course more comprehensive than I expected.

Over the years, many techniques and procedures have been developed that greatly enhance the versatility of the method. The purpose of the X-ray course is to combine theoretical and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The course is presented in a week-long session and is directed to both relative newcomers in the field and to more experienced users wishing to broaden their understanding of fundamental concepts and established procedures. The major emphases are the acquisition of reliable experimental data and qualitative phase identification using manual search techniques, and computer-based methods of qualitative and quantitative phase analysis.

The format of the course is a combination of morning lectures and afternoon recitations and workshops. Ample opportunity for individual student-faculty interaction exists throughout the week, including small recitation and workshop groups and a session where students can discuss their applications and problems with the entire faculty.

Lectures

  • Fundamentals of X-ray Physics
  • WDX and EDX X-ray spectrometry instrumentation
  • Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and standardless analysis
  • Introduction to quantitative analysis
  • Types and sources of error
  • Precision and accuracy
  • Calibration strategy
  • Drift, line and interelement correction application
  • Fundamental parameters
  • Maintaining instrument integrity
  • Specimen preparation

Workshops

  • XRF instrumentation, components, scope, and comparison using live and disabled WDX and EDX instrumentation.
  • Selection of parameters for operation
  • Demonstration of personal computer exercises in qualitative, semi-quantitative, and standardless WDX and EDX analysis
  • Demonstration of personal computer exercises employing polynomial regression, line overlap, empirical and fundamental parameter corrections during calibration
  • Specimen preparation lecture and demonstration of the use of mixers, grinders, presses, fusion apparatus, etcetera
  • Discussion of problems encountered by participants

When & Where

24 – 28 March 2025

Register by 10 February 2025 and save $250!

Convince Your Boss!

ICDD Headquarters
12 Campus Boulevard
Newtown Square, PA 19073-3273 USA
Phone: (610) 325-9814

If you have any questions, please contact education@icdd.com 

What's Included

The registration fee for this course includes:

  • Lecture, workshop, and lab materials
  • Catered lunch Monday through Thursday
  • Coffee and snack breaks

Schedule

Classes are held:

  • Monday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:45 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Faculty

The course faculty is selected from academic, industrial and government institutions under the direction of ICDD.

  • Larry Arias
  • Dr. Meredith M. Daniel-Prowse
  • Dr. Andy Drews
  • Dr. Julia Sedlmair
  • Eric Smith

See entire ICDD clinic faculty.

Practical X-ray Fluorescence

24 – 28 March 2025

$1,700
  • By 10 February 2025: $1,700 USD
  • After 10 February 2025: $1,950 USD

    Registration deadline: 14 March 2025

If you cannot register online, please complete the XRF Registration form here.

Have a group of 3 or more attendees? Contact education@icdd.com for pricing. To obtain the group discount, all registrations must be submitted at the same time. Registrations made before or after are not eligible for the discount.

Payment must be received prior to the start of the course to attend. Online registrations will be accepted up until two weeks before the start of the course; after that time, please call for availability.

ICDD reserves the right to use all photographs taken throughout the class to promote the course without additional approval from you, the participant.

Tuition Waiver Opportunities

ICDD offers a limited number of tuition waivers for the XRF clinic. Faculty members and graduate students are encouraged to apply. If you are currently developing a program in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and are interested in incorporating those topics into an established course, a tuition waiver can provide you with the opportunity to learn the principles and practices from some of the experts in the field.

Get more information and apply here.

Host Hotel

The Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square is the host hotel for the ICDD courses. Accommodations booked within our room block will include daily breakfast and round trip transportation to ICDD. Please be sure to use the reservation link for your particular course. Visit our Host Hotel webpage for more information.

Transfer, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

ICDD must guarantee payment for meals and materials in advance.  You will receive a 50% refund of the paid registration fee if your written cancellation is received at ICDD 20 business days prior to the start of the class.  With less notice, a colleague may take your place, or the course materials will be mailed to you, but no refund will be given.

Please note: A minimum of 10 registrants per course is required, otherwise the course will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded. You will be notified of a course cancellation no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.

“I wish I’d taken this course 5 years ago; it would have saved me many hours of work. There is a lot of information presented that the instrument vendors don’t always have the time or desire to discuss. Highly recommend.”

– Jerry McMahan

“The ICDD staff were very helpful and informative. The clinic offers an opportunity for an in-depth dive into XRF fundamentals while surrounded by leading experts in the field to answer questions and help with problems along the way! With lectures on XRF theory and workshops for practical application, the course offers an intense intro to XRF and its use in a short time.”

– Bren Cole

“Between the theoretical background and the practical discussions, I’m feeling significantly more confident in my ability to utilize XRF applications in my teaching and research.”

– Jeffrey Carver

“The course was very insightful. I am now leaving with deeper understanding of XRF. Real examples were used in the demos so the theory did not remain abstract.”

– Dwayne Reynolds

“I really enjoyed attending the ICDD XRF Clinic. The curriculum and hands-on training provided by expert instructors equipped me with a great foundation for improving my skills in X-ray fluorescence analysis. Whether you’re a beginner like me or seeking to enhance your expertise, the course is great for anyone in the field. Highly recommend!”

– Marissa Sauri

“The overall depth of the knowledge and experience from all of the presenters make it very easy to recall subject matter I have not had experience with in about 20 years. The interactivity of the classes made the days fly by.”

– James Budzinski

“This was a great course for introduction to XRF, both qualitative and quantitative. There was a lot of practical knowledge disseminated during the course. Highly recommend.”

– Alyssa Maich

“Great learning experience with industry experts. I’ve gathered a few ideas for my lab that I want to incorporate for future scientists.”

– Jesse

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