HORIBA Scientific Announces New Micro XRF Analytical Microscope

|   Press Release

XGT-9000 Combines New Imaging Technology with High Sensitivity for High Speed Analysis of Foreign Materials in one Instrument

PISCATAWAY, NJ January 18th, 2019HORIBA Scientific, a global leader in spectroscopy instrumentation and solutions, announces the release of its new XGT-9000 X-ray analytical microscope (μXRF), which simultaneously performs elemental analysis and optical observation of samples without destroying or contacting them. Incorporating HORIBA’s proprietary X-ray technology, with the highest resolution in the world, the XGT-9000 not only screens foreign objects that often cause problems in the production process of lithium-ion batteries, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, but also analyzes elements in semiconductor integrated circuits and other micro objects. It also measures film thickness and adherence amounts with a high degree of accuracy.

By integrating the features of a high-resolution microscope and high-intensity X-ray beams, the XGT-9000 performs non-destructive foreign-object analysis on samples, switching between high-speed analysis mode for rapid screening of foreign objects, and detailed analysis mode using the micro beams first incorporated in earlier models.

The XGT-9000 is equipped with three types of optical illuminations: bright field coaxial, dark field, and transmission. Combining bright field coaxial and dark field illuminations enables clear observation of the samples with flat or uneven areas, such as semiconductor wafers and films.

The XGT-9000 offers highly accurate and fast foreign-object analysis, enabling it to detect both visible foreign objects and invisible ones down to only several microns (= 1/1,000 millimeter) in size. Seeing these single foreign objects with the high definition optical images can prevent degraded performance, appearance and quality or serious mechanical failure.

Irradiating X-rays coaxial with optical observation images enables pinpoint analysis with no misalignment. High-definition optical images improve the visibility of foreign objects, which until very recently, have been hard to observe.

Other improvements include shortened analysis time, enhanced mapping and image processing, as well as ease of combination with other analysis equipment. The software package includes quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses, thickness determination and image analysis features.

“This instrument is ideal for foreign object analysis in foods and pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Sergey Mamedov, Raman and XRF Applications Scientist at HORIBA Scientific. “This analyzer is also being used to increase efficiency in R&D and quality control within a broad range of fields, including failure analysis of large printed circuit boards, non-destructive analysis of metal materials, measurement of film thickness, and adherence amounts on increasingly miniaturized semiconductor integrated circuits and connecting electrodes.”

About HORIBA Scientific

HORIBA Scientific, part of HORIBA Instruments Incorporated, headquartered in the United States, provides an extensive array of instruments and solutions for applications across a broad range of scientific R&D and QC measurements. HORIBA Scientific is a world leader in OEM Spectroscopy, elemental analysis, fluorescence (including the PTI brand), forensics, GDS, ICP, particle characterization, Raman, spectroscopic ellipsometry, sulphur-in-oil, SPRi and water quality measurements, as well as XRF. Our instruments are found in universities and industries around the world. Proven quality and trusted performance have established widespread confidence in the HORIBA Brand.

HORIBA supplies over 500 types of scientific analyzers to universities, research institutions, various manufacturing industries and the government. In some of the most advanced science and technologies, HORIBA provides multi-faceted data solutions for what are niche markets – assisting the most cutting-edge research in the tackling of uncharted territories.

Building on a long tradition of pursuing innovative technology to advance scientific efforts, HORIBA Instruments Incorporated has acquired and assimilated renowned companies such as Société Générale d’Optique (1969), SPEX (1988), Dilor (1995), SOFIE (1996), Jobin Yvon (1997), IBH (2003), GenOptics (2009), and Photon Technology International (2014).

The HORIBA Group is a global company that offers solutions and engineering services, based on our strong performance in developing and manufacturing instruments and products in the analysis and measurement fields. With “Explore the Future” as its brand message, HORIBA has been pursuing state-of-the-art analysis and measurement technology since its establishment in 1945. Founded in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan, it has grown steadily throughout its 70 years of business, and is now providing services worldwide as the leader in the analysis technology field. 

We engage in five different business segments with high value added products and services: Automotive Test Systems, Medical-Diagnostic Instruments and Systems, Semiconductor Instruments and Systems, Scientific Instruments and Systems, and Process and Environmental Instruments and Systems. We have established an optimal number of business bases in Japan, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

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