1.1This guide is an introduction to mathematical procedures for correction of interelement (matrix) effects in quantitative X-ray spectrometric analysis.

1.1.1The procedures described correct only for the interelement effect(s) arising from a homogeneous chemical composition of the specimen. Effects related to either particle size, or mineralogical or metallurgical phases in a specimen are not treated.

1.1.2These procedures apply to both wavelength and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry where the specimen is considered to be infinitely thick, flat, and homogeneous with respect to the depth of penetration of the exciting X-rays (1).2

1.2This document is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of the many different techniques employed to compensate for interelement effects. Consult Refs (2-5) for descriptions of other commonly used techniques such as standard addition, internal standardization, etc.