S2 PICOFOX

The World’s First TXRF Spectrometer for Trace Analysis

The S2 PICOFOX is the world’s first portable benchtop spectrometer for fast quantitative and semi-quantitative multi-element microanalysis of liquids, suspensions, solids and contaminations using the principle of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF).

Reaching detection limits in the ppb and ppm range the S2 PICOFOX is optimally suited for trace element analysis. The advantages are evident in case of small sample amounts, liquid samples with high matrix content and frequently changing sample types.

Due to its complete independence of any cooling medium, the analyzer can be used not only in the laboratory but also for on-site analyses in the field.

For many applications the S2 PICOFOX will be an important enhancement to an existing AAS or ICP-OES system.

Key advantages compared to AAS and ICP-OES

Simultaneous multi-element trace analysis incl. halogenides
Analysis of smallest sample amounts in the nanogram or microgram range
Simple quantification using an internal standard
Suitable for various sample types and applications
Portable system for fast in-field analyses
No matrix or memory effects
Low operating cost, no need for any media, disposables or periodic maintenance

Manufacturer

Bruker

The S2 PICOFOX is independent of liquid nitrogen and cooling water. With a maximum power consumption of only 180 watts the compact, portable TXRF spectrometer is especially suited for mobile applications. It features:

Compact, air-cooled micro focus X-ray tube with metal-ceramics technology
Multilayer X-ray optics for beam focusing and monochromatization
Latest Peltier-cooled, high resolution XFlash^® detector (SDD)

Working principle

The S2 PICOFOX working principle is based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis:

An air-cooled X-ray tube typically with molybdenum target generates an X-ray beam, which is reduced to a narrow energy range by a multilayer monochromator. The fine beam impinges on a polished sample carrier at a very small angle (< 0.1°) and is totally reflected. The characteristic fluorescence of the sample is emitted and measured in an energy-dispersive X-ray detector. Due to the short distance to the carrier, the fluorescence yield is very high and the absorption by air is very low.