Which type of radiation does XRF technology produce?

XRF, or X-ray fluorescence, technology produces gamma rays. This process involves the interaction of X-rays or gamma rays with the material being analyzed. When an X-ray beam is directed at a sample, it can energize the atoms within the material. As these atoms return to their normal state, they release energy in the form of fluorescent X-rays (often referred to as gamma rays). This emitted energy is characteristic of the specific elements within the sample, allowing for precise identification and quantification of those elements.

The other types of radiation mentioned—alpha rays and beta rays—are emitted during radioactive decay processes and do not relate directly to the operation of XRF technology. Ultraviolet (UV) rays also differ significantly from the X-rays and gamma rays employed in the XRF methodology. Understanding that XRF utilizes the principles of X-ray interaction with matter helps clarify why gamma rays are the correct choice in this context.