A handheld metal analyzer is a spectral analysis instrument based on XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technology. It primarily consists of a detector, CPU, and memory. Due to its portability and accuracy, it is widely used in fields such as alloys, minerals, environment, and consumer goods.

Handheld spectrometers must have high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, superior intensity and wavelength accuracy, strong resistance to external interference, and excellent instrument stability. The software of the instrument should be capable of performing complex mathematical calculations such as derivatives and deconvolution, calculating spectral similarity, pattern recognition analysis, supporting multivariate calibration analysis, and allowing users to create and search their own spectral libraries.