X-ray product range

Significance of the topic

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have become essential tools in analytical chemistry for rapid, non-destructive characterization of materials. Their ability to deliver elemental and structural information with minimal sample preparation makes them invaluable across industries from mining and metallurgy to materials science, environmental monitoring, and quality control.

Objectives and document overview

This document presents Thermo Fisher Scientific’s comprehensive X-ray product portfolio. It aims to guide users through portable and benchtop energy-dispersive XRF (EDXRF), wavelength-dispersive XRF (WDXRF), combined XRF-XRD systems, standalone XRD diffractometers, automation solutions, and supporting software. The overview highlights features, performance parameters, and suitable applications for each instrument.

Methodology and Instrumentation

All instruments utilize X-ray tubes paired with energy or wavelength dispersive detectors to excite and measure characteristic X-ray emissions. Key technologies include solid-state detectors in EDXRF for field use, high-precision goniometers and multiple monochromators in WDXRF for lab applications, and two-dimensional pixel detectors in XRD for crystallographic analysis. Automation modules and software ensure high throughput and compliance with regulatory standards.

Main results and discussion

The product range offers:

• Portable EDXRF analyzers (Niton XL2/XL3t/XL5 Plus) for on-site alloy verification, precious metal assay, and environmental screening with fast measurement times and rugged design.
• Benchtop EDXRF (ARL QUANT’X) delivering C to Am analysis, large sample capacity, imaging capability, and UniQuant software for standard-less quantification.
• Sequential and simultaneous WDXRF spectrometers (OPTIM’X and PERFORM’X) covering O to Am with high sensitivity (F to Zn), dynamic range from sub-ppm to 100%, microspot mapping, and advanced sample automation.
• Integrated XRF-XRD systems (ARL 9900 Series) combining up to 32 fixed channels with XRD goniometers for simultaneous elemental and phase analysis in a single report.
• Transportable and benchtop XRD diffractometers (EQUINOX 100 and X’TRA Companion) featuring micro-source technology, 2D pixel detectors, real-time acquisition, and easy-to-use Rietveld quantification.
• Automation platforms (ARL SMS-Omega, SMS-PFX, SMS-XY, SMS-2300/3300/3500) enabling unattended sample handling, performance verification, and integration into laboratory workflows or mobile shelters.

Benefits and practical applications of the methods

These systems enable rapid decision making on site or in the lab, improve sample throughput, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce operating costs. Typical applications include positive material identification, alloy sorting, soil and ore assay, cement and ceramic quality control, pharmaceutical phase analysis, and forensic investigations.

Future trends and potential applications

Continued development is expected in miniaturized detectors, higher count-rate electronics, advanced automation with robotics, integrated multimodal analysis combining XRF, XRD, and other spectroscopies, and AI-driven data interpretation for real-time decision support. Enhanced software security and compliance features will further expand use in regulated industries.

Conclusion

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s extensive X-ray portfolio addresses diverse analytical challenges by offering portable to high-end laboratory instruments, seamless automation, and robust software. Together, they deliver fast, accurate, and non-destructive analysis, empowering users across sectors to optimize processes and ensure product quality.

References

The summary is based on product specifications and application notes from Thermo Fisher Scientific’s X-ray instrumentation brochures and technical literature.