In the not-too-distant past, analytical X-ray equipment required large power generators, massive amounts of cooling and substantial space in a lab. Operators required specialized training in the operation, maintenance, and physics of the instrumentation. The past decade has seen a large shift in the way labs work. People focus on a scientific discipline where they use multiple pieces of analytical equipment for a single project. To support this change, Bruker has become a leader in providing easy-to-use solutions with a focus on accessibility. Accessibility comes in many forms. Solutions are easier to learn and maintain. Workflows focus on simple, reliable methods that can be expanded by experts to support more complex investigations. This extends to the analysis software where results often can be found with a few clicks of the mouse, while digging deeper rewards the user with increased insights into the sample.

The best example of this simplicity is found in our benchtop solutions. From elemental quantification with XRF to 3D microstructural analysis with XRM and nano-structural analysis with XRD, Bruker offers a wide range of benchtop solutions with a focus on analytical accessibility. These instruments are not pared-down versions of their floor-standing brethren, rather they are developed from the ground up (well, tabletop up) to provide exceptional results from a compact form factor.

Acceptance of these benchtops has been astounding. They are used in environments ranging from high technology development laboratories to the backs of trucks driving into the field. We attribute this acceptance to the guiding tenets of accessibility, providing powerful and versatile solutions for everyone, everywhere for everything.

X-Ray Microscopy (XRM) combines micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) hardware with sophisticated software to create a non-destructive 3D imaging solution. This technique not only yields precise imaging of the sample surface, but also allows imaging throughout the bulk of the specimen. Contrast in the image comes from differences in
X-ray absorption, which correlates to the density of the constituent materials.

Large floor-standing CT solutions are well known from the medical field. These instruments focus on imaging human-sized objects with a secondary concern of resolution. Benchtop solutions such as the SKYSCAN 1272, 1273 and 1275 were developed to focus on micron-scale resolution and sufficient power to penetrate common materials research samples.

The SKYSCAN 1275 is focused on high-throughput applications where measurement speed is essential. A programmable button located on the front panel can be used to launch an analysis, including both data collection and reconstruction.

If high-resolution imaging is required, the SKYSCAN 1272 CMOS Edition is a perfect fit. By utilizing the newest CMOS detector technology combined with motorized positioning of the sample and detector, the perfect balance of field-of-view and resolution can be obtained. Both the SKYSCAN 1272 and 1275 are compatible with an external sample changer, allowing automatic measurements.

The last member of the XRM benchtop lineup is the SKYSCAN 1273. We refer to it as the high-capacity instrument as it can measure extremely large samples, not only due to its physically large measurement chamber, but also its high-power source.

The benchtop XRM solutions run on standard power, allowing installation in any location where an optical microscope could be found. With its ability to see beyond the sample surface and ease of adoption, we believe benchtop XRM will become the new standard in materials research imaging solutions.

Over 100 years ago some of the first X-ray diffraction experiments were performed, giving scientists access to the atomic arrangement of solids. Work by Laue and the Braggs led to Nobel Prizes in physics in 1914 and 1915, cementing XRD as an important analytical technique. For much of its history, XRD was ahead of its time. Scans were collected on photographic film and strip recorders. Phase identification required the use of books and physical sets of cards. Quantification was performed by physically cutting peak shapes out from calibrated paper and weighing the cutouts on a scale. Fast forward to today and XRD is now a mainstream analytical technique, assisted in no short part by computers and easy-to-use solutions like the D2 PHASER.

When we approached the idea of a benchtop diffractometer, the first hurdle was to design a goniometer that could be both compact and accurate. Traditionally, a large worm gear set is used to achieve the required resolution, as minute wear and misfit in the components can lead to subtle peak shifts. In this case, there is no replacement for displacement. Bigger is better. To meet the need for accuracy in a small enclosure, we developed a hybrid coupled-drive mechanism. By using a series of precisely controlled linear and rotational motions, we were able to create a mechanism capable not only of achieving exceptional peak position accuracy, but also robust enough to ship without need for physical alignment.

The use of a small measurement circle also means that the system has much higher photon efficiency, yielding signal well above expectation given its 300 Watts of power. Combined with the LYNXEYE XE-T, which removes the need for a metal K-Beta filter, the D2 PHASER not only produces high-quality Phase ID, but also phase quantification and even structure solution.

As with our other benchtop solutions, accessibility comes in the form of no special requirements for the lab. Simply provide a benchtop and standard power, and the system is ready to go. The software is the same as found in the rest of the X-ray diffraction solution family, offering the perfect balance of ease-of-use and analytical depth.

The benchtop D2 PHASER X-ray diffractometer continues to change the analytical solution landscape by bringing a once-niche application into the spotlight.

One of the main strengths of Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) compared to Energy Dispersive XRF (EDXRF) is its much higher spectral resolution. Thus, when peak overlaps in an EDXRF spectrum hinder a precise (trace) element quantification, WDXRF is often required. Formerly, this meant a much higher investment into a full-size WDXRF spectrometer.

Nowadays, Bruker’s unique benchtop WDXRF spectrometer, the S6 JAGUAR, facilitates full WDXRF spectral resolution, thanks to the revolutionized compact HighSense goniometer. Its advanced technology enables the user to fulfill analytical tasks for which floor-standing WDXRF models were a must in the past. This makes the S6 JAGUAR not only an excellent solution for R&D and academia, but also for demanding industrial applications. For instance, the S6 JAGUAR is utilized during mineral beneficiation to produce metal ore concentrates. These ores are used to produce, e.g., Mn-, Ni-, and Co-sulfate solutions for battery manufacturing. The quality of these solutions and later the mixtures made during the battery upstream process are once again being verified by the S6 JAGUAR. Another related task is the quality control of coal, coke, and carbon – which are not only used for energy production but also needed as anode material for batteries. This lab report about trace element analysis in coke, coal and carbon gives further details.

Okay, so it's not technically a benchtop instrument, but the unique combination of functionality, ease of ownership and affordability puts the D8 QUEST ECO in a class of its own for single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compact footprint hides a spacious interior that features a full research-grade instrument which enables scientists to achieve quality results in labs where it would be otherwise not be possible.

The D8 QUEST ECO is also driving crystallographic education and research around the world. For example, in Benin the D8 QUEST ECO is the focus of an ambitious regional program to develop crystallographic expertise across West Africa.

At the Agricultural University of Sweden, the molecular structures determined with the instrument are supporting research in such diverse fields as elucidating important biochemical pathways to the development of nanomaterials for new energy sources.

And at the University of Malang in Indonesia, the D8 QUEST ECO is being used to establish a national center of expertise in structural chemistry and advance research into organic and inorganic chemistry.

Refer to the Testimonials section of our D8 QUEST ECO webpage for even more success stories.

The articles you have read in this issue of FIRST Newsletter have shown the power of Bruker benchtop instrumentation. Whether your application is in industry or academia, an often-overlooked aspect of successful instrument operation is preventative care and maintenance. Bruker’s top-level service centers and factory-trained employees are ready to assist you in maximizing the performance and longevity of your X-ray instrument. The best tool to ensure performance and minimize downtime of all your Bruker instruments is a LabScape Maintenance Service Agreement (MSA). Until August 31^st, new customers receive a discount of 15% off the regular price of a 1-year or 20% off the regular price of a 2-year LabScape Access, Complete, or Complete Plus MSA. This is a remarkable opportunity to secure comprehensive service coverage at an unbeatable value. Contact us to request a LabScape MSA quotation for your XRD, SC-XRD, XRF or XRM instrument.

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