Novel High Performance -XRF System

At Pittcon® 2009, Bruker AXS introduced the M4 TORNADO™, a novel bench-top high-performance micro X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) spectrometer. The system enables non-destructive, position-sensitive elemental analyses on solid or liquid samples, particles, inclusions and coatings with unprecedented speed and accuracy for a wide range of applications, including quality control in microelectronics, RoHS, forensics, geology and many others. The M4 TORNADO features a large vacuum sample chamber, accommodating samples of varying sizes and shapes for investigation under vacuum or air, and without the need for extensive sample preparation. An ultra-brilliant X-ray tube in combination with polycapillary X-Ray optics generates a very intense excitation beam with spot sizes down to 25 microns. The large solid angle and the extremely high count rate capability of Bruker’s industry-leading XFlash® silicon drift X-Ray detector allow taking full advantage of the high intensity fluorescent radiation emitted from the sample, resulting in very short measurement times. Not only does this make the M4 TORNADO highly productive for single spot measurements, but moreover, in conjunction with the computer-controlled high speed sample stage, it enables very fast one- or two-dimensional distribution analyses ‘on the fly’, as well as automated multiple point measurements.

The control and analysis software of the M4 TORNADO is based on the well-proven ESPRIT™ software suite, used with Bruker’s QUANTAX™ EDS systems, incorporating years of experience in X-Ray microanalysis. Sample positioning is supported by simultaneously displaying both a low magnification image for orientation and a high-resolution optical image for precise pinpointing of the desired XRF analysis spot. The high speed stage is controllable by joystick or via software with intuitive point-and-click capability. The system provides comprehensive tools for qualitative and fully quantitative element and distribution analysis. Line scans and mappings can be performed in the HyperMap spectral imaging mode which enables data mining and evaluation any time during or after the measurement. A variety of automation functions make the M4 TORNADO the ideal tool for routine analysis. Due to its flexible, modular concept the M4 TORNADO can be tailored to dedicated analytical tasks. In its standard configuration, the instrument is equipped with a single tube and a single detector. Customers have the option to either add up to two detectors, or to add a second X-Ray tube with different target material.