ARTAX

Portable μ-XRF Spectrometer

Designed for On-Site Analyses of Valuable or Stationary Objects

ARTAX is the first commercially available portable µ-XRF spectrometer designed to meet the requirements for a spectroscopic analysis of unique and valuable objects on site, i.e. in archaeometry and art history.

The system performs a simultaneous multi-element analysis in the element range from Na(11) to U(92) and attains a spatial resolution of down to 70 µm.

The measurement is non-destructive and non-contact, there is no damage whatsoever to the objects under investigation. ARTAX is set up and operational within 30 minutes. A normal mains power supply is the only requirement for operating ARTAX.

Depending on the application and available budget, there is a choice of several differently configured spectrometer versions, offering various features and levels of user comfort.

Manufacturer

Bruker

The core piece of the system is a compact measuring head containing:

A specially designed, very compact micro-focus X-ray tube in metal-ceramics technology
A polycapillary X-ray optics that produces a micro-spot of primary X-radiation with outstandingly high intensity.
A compact, high resolution, nitrogen-free XFlash^® SD detector with high speed/low noise electronics.
An advanced sample viewing and analysis spot positioning system.

Portability on a tripod

A mobile, vibration damped tripod carries the measuring head, a motor-driven X-Y-Z positioning stage and the control unit. It enables free positioning of the complete measuring system relative to the object under investigation with a reproducibility of better than ±10 µm.

Fast X-ray tube exchange

The measuring head consists of a central unit containing the detector, the CCD camera and the laser spot. The excitation unit, consisting of tube housing, X-ray tube and X-ray optics, is mounted on the side, fixed by a precision lock, which allows a fast exchange. This enables the user to choose the most suitable excitation sources or target materials and also allows fast exchange of the X-ray optics.

Light element analysis

The ARTAX is equipped with a helium purging system for light element analysis. Using helium purging the measurement range can be extended from that in ambient air – from Ti(22) to U(92) down to Na(11). Using helium instead of vacuum has the added benefit of not endangering the sample, which might not be vacuum-safe. This light element capability allows detection of P(15), S(16) and Cl(17) as well as Al(13) and Si(14), important elements, which would otherwise go unnoticed.

Additional features

Improved accessibility of samples due to a more compact measuring head design and an increased distance to the sample.
Touch sensor for avoidance of damage to the art object
Improved radiation safety by an additional control terminal for direct access to basic functions
Three safety contacts for additional warning lamps, door interlocks etc.
Software control of the helium flow for light element detection and the laser spot for positioning