[1] The spatial resolution diameter of micro x-ray fluorescence is many orders of magnitude smaller than that of conventional XRF.
By using x-ray optics, the irradiation of the focal spot is much more intense and allows for enhanced trace element analysis and better resolution of small features.
The newly discovered technique was then first revealed at the 229th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (March, 2005).
This new discovery could prove to be very beneficial to the law enforcement world, because it is expected that μXRF will be able to detect the most complex molecules in fingerprints.
Some specific elements, as antimony, barium and lead, can be identified on a cotton passed on the hands and clothes of the suspect of using a gun.