Matrix factor

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007029",
  "term": "Matrix factor",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A correction factor used in quantitative surface analysis, particularly Auger electron spectroscopy, to account for the influence of the surrounding material (the matrix) on the measured signal of an analyte. It adjusts for physical and chemical differences between the sample matrix and the pure element standard used for calibration, such as variations in atomic density, backscattering, and electron attenuation length. Applying the matrix factor to the relative sensitivity factor yields a more accurate quantification of the elemental composition at the surface.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Auger spectroscopy"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1807 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0404)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/matrix-factor/"
}