For use in industrial and research labs, the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ EQUINOX 100 X-Ray diffractometer (XRD) is engineered to satisfy structural and phase analysis needs. The bench-top design is the best and most affordable option for teaching in universities and colleges, conducting dynamic studies, determining formulations, and performing routine analyses.
The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD is equipped with a unique curved position sensitive detector (CPS) that allows for simultaneous real-time full pattern acquisition, facilitating quicker analysis, in situ experiments, and the development and transitions of crystalline phases.
- Versatile sample entry and analysis
- Standard power supply; no external water cooling needed
- Reliable and robust with no moving parts
- Transmission and reflection measurement for superior sample representativity
- High intensity from low-power microfocus source
- Real-time simultaneous data acquisition
Reliable and Robust
Thermo Scientific’s ARL EQUINOX series is intended for use in a variety of laboratories, including central, mobile, and production control labs. This X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technology responds to processes more quickly and with more flexibility.
- No moving parts: Stationary X-Ray source and detector
- Fixed focal length: does not need realignment
- Acquisition in asymmetric mode over 110˚2θ
- Adjustable sample incidence angle
- Ideal for small-angle measurements
ARL EQUINOX 100 geometry: Asymmetric mode with a Position Sensitive Detector for real-time XRD acquisition. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
Flexible
Flexible Instrument
High Intensity From Low-Power Microfocus Source
Microfocus X-Ray sources are extremely bright beams produced by low-power X-Ray tubes.
This design uses a mirror system to collect and focus the beam of incident scattered X-Rays. The X-Ray flux diffracting the sample is thus significantly higher than in conventional systems, even at low power.
- X-Ray flux close to a standard X-Ray source
- Focusing mirror for higher intensity
- Mirrors capture and focus X-Rays onto the sample for better efficiency.
- Beam size: approximately 5 mm × 300 µm
- Focusing beam geometry
Acquisition at low angle on Silver behenate powder recorded in reflection mode. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
Versatile Sample Entry and Analysis
As the most adaptable benchtop XRD available, the ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD can measure reflection or transmission in a variety of analytical conditions with multiple sample types. Sample holders can be readily switched in a few seconds without requiring realignment. The following are the accessory stages:
- Capillary transmission sample stage
- Fixed non-spinning sample stage
- Single-position spinning stage for reflection and transmission
- Temperature-controlled stage
- Reflection mode spinning stage with height adjustment
- Controlled atmosphere reflection sample stage
- Six-position automatic sample changer with spinning stages
- GIXRD thin layer analysis stage
Real-Time Simultaneous Data Acquisition
The CPS real-time detectors are unique acquisition instruments that simultaneously collect all diffraction data. These detectors enable fast analysis as well as dynamic studies by performing real-time diffraction experiments on powders, bulk materials, and thin films.
Applications
Studies and Applications
Dynamic Studies
Dynamic crystallographic measurements in real time are necessary for the study of the physical and chemical properties of materials as a function of temperature, environment, pressure, and other factors.
Phase transition at high temperature. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
Position Sensitive Detectors (PSD) allow for the real-time capture of structural phase transitions or material modifications. It can be particularly difficult to ensure that no transition is missed during a measurement when working with unstable compounds, but the PSD acquires the entire XRD diffractogram simultaneously.
Thin Film Applications
Grazing incidence measurement: Observation of an interference with the substrate peak. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
Evaluation of thin film materials can be accurately and easily conducted using the ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD, as it has a dedicated sample platform.
Grazing incidence X-Ray diffraction (GIXRD) is employed to discern the phases, texture, or structure of a thin crystallized deposit on a specific substrate. Reflectometry (XRR) is utilized to ascertain the composition and thickness of film deposits, along with the roughness of interfaces.
Attachments
Samples and Attachments
The largest selection of sample holders on the market for benchtop XRD
Fixed Sample Stage
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
- Transmission or reflection mode
- Glass plate stationary sample mount for powders, tiny solids, or samples
- Sample position aligned with a positioning screw
Spinning Stage for Powder Sample
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- Special cups to protect air-sensitive samples
- Zero background holder for micro-quantity samples
- Reflection and transmission mode on powder
- Continuous sample rotation
Spinning Stage With Height Adjustment
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
- Reflection mode on powder and bulk
- Sample maximum size: 40 × 20 mm with a centered sample
- Height adjustment to 30 mm
- Continuous sample rotation
Spinning Stage for Filter Studies
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- Available with a silver membrane filter (25 mm diameter)
- Specific measurement in reflection mode on filter
- Continuous sample rotation
Spinning Stage for Pressed Pellets
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- Continuous sample rotation
- Reflection mode for pressed samples like cement
- Choice according to customer’s specifications
- 51 mm steel rings
- 40 mm steel rings or free pressed
Sample Stage With Controlled Atmosphere
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- Continuous sample rotation
- Reflection mode for powder
- Modes of operation:
- Gas circulation to recycle atmosphere
- Completely isolated cell with closed connections
- Gas control in the cell
Capillary Stage for Transmission Measurement
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
- Goniometric head support
- Transmission mode on sample in capillary
- Continuous sample rotation
- Borosilicate or quartz capillaries available with a diameter from 0.1 to 3.5 mm
Automatic 6-Position Sample Changer
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- Six sample positions in reflection mode
- Continuous sample rotation
- Zero background holder available
Thin Layer Attachment
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- Specific attachment for thin film application
- Excellent for GIXRD
- Sample size up to 25 × 25 × 10 mm
- High accuracy motors in θ and Z adjustments
- X-Ray reflectometry (XRR)
Temperature Controlled Stage
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
- BTS500: temperature range from ambient to 500 °C
- Reflection mode
- BTS150: temperature range from –10 °C to 150 °C
- Fast heating and cooling
- Sample conditioning in vacuum, air, or inert gas possible
- Accurate temperature measurements by a thermo sensor close to the sample
- 10-1 mbar to 1 bar relative
Performance
Analytical Performance
With the ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD, analysis of various materials (ranging from minerals to pharmaceuticals) can be conducted quickly and precisely. Since the entire pattern is acquired simultaneously, the instrument has extraordinary resolution and speed for a benchtop device. The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD can be used for phase identification, quantitative calculations of percent crystallinity, and even the solution of crystal structures.
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
Portfolio
Thermo Scientific™ SolstiX™ XRD Software 21 CFR Part 11 Ready
With the ARL EQUINOX 100 X-Ray benchtop diffractometer, pharmaceutical companies can confidently achieve in a compliant environment while getting the performance results they need. This is thanks to Thermo Scientific SolstiX XRD Software with Security Suite.
The electronic signature and full audit trail requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 are met by Thermo Scientific's software solutions.
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers
- Establish requirements for the data record, such as the date and time of the scan, the name of the unique signer, and technological security measures (passwords, for example).
- Provide electronic signatures to users as a means of assuming responsibility for the electronic data in the system.
- Protect quality assurance-related stored electronic data within manufacturer computer systems.
- Implement measures to maintain authentic, incorruptible, and confidential records.