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

Handheld spectrometers require high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, superior intensity accuracy and wavelength accuracy, strong resistance to external interference, and excellent instrument stability. In terms of software, the spectrometers 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.