When the Microfocus Spectroscopy beamline of Diamond Light Source discovered a need to scan initial mineral samples to highlight areas within the samples for the synchrotron light, they turned to Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd, specialists in x-ray material analysis.  

Diamond Light Source is based on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, Oxfordshire and from here it uses electrons to produce x-ray, infrared and ultra-violet beams of exceptional brightness, known as synchrotron light.  From these highly focused beams of light, scientists and engineers are able to probe deep into the basic structure of matter and materials at the atomic and molecular level to lead scientific breakthroughs in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, environmental and materials science.

There are currently nine operational experimental stations or beamlines within Diamond, with 13 more due for completion by 2012, and the Microfocus Spectroscopy beamline is world class in the mapping of inhomogeneous mineral samples under Principal Beamline Scientist Dr Fred Mosselmans.

Mineral samples are understood to have varying compositions and the Fischer XDAL Spectrometer system was selected with its beam of 100 microns diameter to scan initial mineral samples and highlight the areas within the samples for the synchrotron light, with its highly focused beam of about 2 micron diameter.

"The Fischer XDAL spectrometer was chosen for the task because of its ability to cover a wide range of elements and its cost-effectiveness," comments Principal Beamline Scientist, Dr Fred Mosselmans.

X-Ray fluorescence is a highly effective tool for materials analysis. It is widely used for coating thickness measurement and is also well suited for element identification as this case proves.  The samples can be evaluated in almost any dimension and condition. Powder and paste can be analysed in the same manner as solid materials or liquids.
 
The X-Ray XAN and XDAL are energy dispersive high-performance X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer systems, providing simple, fast and accurate analysis of unknown materials.

The exceptionally powerful capabilities of these unique instruments are achieved by the use of a semiconductor detector with Peltier cooling for high spectral energy resolution and the WinFTM^® Version 6 Software for materials and multi-dimensional coating analysis. It enables the analysis of materials with up to 24 elements, without calibration standards and with a predicted measurement accuracy, as well as the measurement of very complex coating systems.  The integrated colour video camera enables the X-Ray beam to be positioned quickly and precisely on the area of the specimen to be analysed.  The large measurement chamber, the programmable X-Y stage and top down primary beam design with movable Z-axis X-Ray source and detector assembly make this system highly suited for programmed measurements of several samples or scanning of larger specimens. The instrument delivers a combination of performance and features not found in other analysis equipment in this price category.

The XDAL system detects a broad range of elements, from Aluminium to Uranium, even at very low concentrations.  This has opened an array of applications, stretching from industry to science. Whether the analysis applications are of metallurgic, geologic, petrochemical or other nature, the X-RAY XDAL is fast gaining a reputation as a powerful and cost effective spectrometer for the task.

The Diamond Light Source beamline project is yet another example, as too are the 15 Fischer spectrometer systems providing a cost efficient service for Assay Offices across the UK and Europe.  This is because, when used in combination with the application kit Gold Assay, these instruments are suited for the fast, non-destructive and accurate gold content measurement in jewellery and precious metals.

The late Ray Scruby, MD of Fischer Instrumentation (GB) Ltd commented on the latest high profile contract for Fischer:  "We are proud to be associated with the pioneering research of the Diamond Light Source and our long-standing reputation for well made materials analysis instrumentation manufactured by Helmut-Fischer GmbH will ensure reliability and longevity for the Diamond project".

The Fischer Group has been at the leading edge of materials analysis, coating thickness measurement and micro hardness-testing technology for over 50 years.