ARL EQUINOX 100: QA/QC and Academic X-Ray Diffractometer

The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ EQUINOX 100 X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is suitable for structural and phase investigation in both industrial and research settings. The bench-top design provides a cost-effective alternative for regular analysis, dynamic investigations, formulation determinations, and teaching in universities and colleges.

The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD contains a curved position-sensitive detector (CPS) that captures entire patterns in real time, allowing for quicker analysis, in situ experiments, and crystalline phase development/phase transitions.

Standard power source; no need for extra water cooling

Strong and dependable without any moving components

High intensity from a microfocus source with little power

Real-time simultaneous data acquisition

Adaptable sample entry and analysis

Improve sample representativeness by measuring transmission and reflection

Reliable and Robust

The Thermo Scientific ARL EQUINOX line is suitable for many laboratories, including mobile, production control, and central labs. This X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technology enables greater flexibility and faster process reaction times.

No moving parts: stationary X-Ray source and detector

Fixed focal length: no need for realignment

Asymmetric mode acquisition across 110˚2θ

Adaptable angle of incidence for the sample

Perfect for measurements of small angles

ARL EQUINOX 100 geometry: Asymmetric mode with a Position Sensitive Detector for real-time XRD acquisition. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Flexible Instrument

High Intensity from Low-Power Microfocus Source

Microfocus X-Ray sources are low-powered X-Ray tubes that produce an extremely bright beam. This setup collects and focuses scattered X-Rays using a mirror system to collect and focus the beam. At low power, the X-Ray flux diffracting the sample is significantly greater than in standard systems.

X-Ray flux close to a standard X-Ray source

Focusing mirror for higher intensity

Mirrors capture and focus X-Rays onto 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 and Phase Analysis

Versatile Sample Entry and Analysis

The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD is the most flexible benchtop XRD instrument on the market. It can detect reflection or transmission in a variety of sample types and analytical settings. Sample holders can be replaced in seconds and do not require any adjustment. The accessory phases are as follows:

Single-position spinning stage for reflection and transmission

Controlled atmosphere reflection sample stage

Reflection mode spinning stage with height adjustment

Six-position automatic sample changer with spinning stages

Fixed non-spinning sample stage

GIXRD thin layer analysis stage

Capillary transmission sample stage

Temperature-controlled stage

Real-Time Simultaneous Data Acquisition

CPS real-time detectors gather diffraction data concurrently, making them a unique acquisition tool. These detectors can conduct diffraction tests on powders, bulk materials, and thin films in real-time, allowing for quick analysis and dynamic research.

Studies and Applications

Dynamic Studies

Phase transition at high temperature. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Dynamic crystallographic measurements in real time are necessary for the study of the physical and chemical characteristics of materials as a function of temperature, environment, pressure, and other factors. Position Sensitive Detectors (PSD) allow for the real-time recording of structural phase transitions or material alterations.

It can be particularly difficult to ensure that no transition is missed during a measurement when working with unstable substances. However, the PSD obtains the whole XRD diffractogram simultaneously.

Thin Film Applications

Grazing incidence measurement: Observation of an interference with the substrate peak. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD has a customized sample platform that makes it simple and accurate to analyze thin film materials.

Grazing incidence XRD (GIXRD) detects the phases, texture, and structure of a thin crystallized deposit on a substrate, whereas XRR measures the thickness and roughness of film deposits and interfaces.

Samples and Attachments

Fixed Sample Stage

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Stationary sample mount for powders, solids, or samples on a glass plate

Sample position aligned by positioning screw

Reflection or transmission mode

Spinning Stage for Powder Sample

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Reflection and transmission mode on powder

Zero background holder for micro-quantity samples

Continuous sample rotation

Special cups to protect air-sensitive samples

Spinning Stage with Height Adjustment

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Reflection mode on powder and bulk

Height adjustment to 30 mm

Sample maximum size: 40×20 mm with a centered sample

Continuous sample rotation

Spinning Stage for FilterStudies

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Specific measurement in reflection mode on filter

Available with silver membrane filter (25 mm diameter)

Continuous sample rotation

Spinning Stage for Pressed Pellets

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Reflection mode for pressed samples like cement

Continuous sample rotation

Choice according to customer’s specifications

51 mm steel rings

40 mm steel rings or free pressed

Sample Stage with Controlled Atmosphere

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Continuous sample rotation

Reflection mode for powder

Modes of operation

Fully isolated cell with closed connections

Gas control in the cell

Gas circulation to recycle atmosphere

Capillary Stage for Transmission Measurement

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Transmission mode on sample in capillary

Goniometric head support

Borosilicate or quartz capillaries available with a diameter from 0.1 to 3.5 mm

Continuous sample rotation

Automatic 6-Position Sample Changer

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Zero background holder available

Six sample positions in reflection mode

Continuous sample rotation

Thin Layer Attachment

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

High accuracy motors in θ and Z adjustments

Specific attachment for thin film application

X-Ray reflectometry (XRR)

Excellent for GIXRD

Sample size up to 25×25×10 mm

Temperature Controlled Stage

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

BTS500: temperature range from ambient to 500 °C

BTS150: temperature range from –10 °C to 150 °C

Sample conditioning in vacuum, air, or inert gas possible

Reflection mode

Fast heating and cooling

10^–1 mbar to 1 bar relative

Accurate temperature measurements by a thermos sensor close to the sample

Analytical Performance

The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD can be employed to quickly and precisely analyze a range of materials,from minerals to pharmaceuticals.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 estimations of percentagecrystallinity, and even the solution of crystal structures.

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Thermo Scientific™ SolstiX™ XRD Software 21 CFR Part 11 Ready

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental and Phase Analysis

Thermo Scientific SolstiX XRD Software with Security Suite is compatible with the ARL EQUINOX 100 X-Ray benchtop diffractometer, allowing pharmaceutical businesses to produce compliance results without compromising performance. The software solutions meet 21 CFR Part 11 standards for electronic signatures and comprehensive audit trails.

Safeguard electronic data connected to quality assurance on manufacturer computer systems

Establish safeguards to ensure that records are reliable, legitimate, and incorruptible

Electronic signatures enable users to bear responsibility for their electronic data in the system

Set requirements in the data record: date and time of the scan, the name of the signer, and technological controls to guarantee safety (for example, passwords)