Synchrotron radiation based total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) has been shown to meet the critical needs of the semiconductor industry for the analysis of transition metal impurities on silicon wafer surfaces. The current best detection limit achieved at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) for Ni is 8 x 10(7) atoms/cm(2) which is a factor of 50 better than what can be achieved using laboratory-based sources. SSRL has established a TXRF facility which meets the cleanliness and stability requirements of the semiconductor industry. This has enabled both industrial and academic researchers to address industrially relevant problems. In addition research is being carried out for the analysis of light elements such as Al and Na.