About the Rostov-on-Don School of X-ray Physicist Dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the discovery of X-ray radiation

The contribution of Rostov-on-Don X-ray physicists (Professor M.A. Blokhin's school) to the development of theoretical foundations and practical techniques for applying X-ray spectral analysis (XRSA) is considered. The review provides a detailed examination of the peculiarities of XRSA specialist training at Rostov-on-Don State University (Southern Federal University from 2006) and the organization of XRSA research work in Rostov-on-Don. In the initial period (1960–1970) the main attention was paid to testing the capabilities and improving the analytical methods that were novel for that period. These were the Beattie-Brissi method, the calibration method, the standard-background method, and the additives method. Subsequently, research based on the application of theoretical assessment of matrix effects in XRSA (assessment of the contribution of selective excitation to the intensity of analytical lines, assessment of the influence of sample heterogeneity and options for accounting for this influence on the intensity of analytical lines for some practical cases, application of the theoretical correction method) became a priority. Other directions, such as the use of proton- and ion-excited X-ray spectra; the development of equipment for XRSA variants with total external reflection of primary radiation; and the practical application of energy-dispersive spectrometers with secondary emitters, were developed. The contribution of the Rostov University’s Basic Research Laboratory of X-ray Spectral Analysis staff to the development and implementation of automated analytical control systems at non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises is noted. The contribution of the research groups led by M.A. Blokhin, N.F. Losev, and their students, V.F. Volkov, V.I. Chirkov, Sh.I. Duimakaev, V.V. Druz, Yu.I. Velichko, V.P. Krasnolutsky, A.L. Tsvetyansky, and M.I. Mazuritsky is briefly discussed. Rostov-on-Don X-ray physicists, graduates of Rostov State University (and Southern Federal University) have worked in scientific and industrial laboratories throughout the Soviet Union, and currently continue to work in Russia and other countries.