A Powerful Tool for XRF and Detector Performance Characterization
Amptek, Inc.
The long anticipated PX4 Digital Pulse Processor from Amptek has joined the successful XR-100 family of X-ray detectors (as shown in Figure 1). The system allows for XRF analysis in the field and satisfies QC requirements for monitoring detector performance. The PX4 is also a powerful research tool that can be used to optimize detector performance.
As shown in Figure 2, the detection of lead (Pb) is an easy task for this pair of instruments. The L lines are easily resolved within 1 minute of unit power-on. Since the PX4 is driven by software, only one switch exists on the box (power). Everything else is software selectable and can be set to automatically load on startup. This ensures consistent, fast, and easy operation.
Figure 1. PX4 Digital Pulse Processor and XR-100CR X-ray Detector.
Since the PX4 has 24 programmable peaking times between 0.8 and 102 µs, it is well suited for a wide variety of applications. In addition, the determination of Resolution vs. Peaking Time (finding the noise corner), as in Figure 3, can be performed automatically by a software routine. With this information, the user can easily select the appropriate peaking time to maximize performance for the particular application, whether it be the best resolution, higher throughput, or a trade-off between the two.
Figure 2. Lead (Pb) Spectrum.
XRF measurements used to involve costly, liquid nitrogen dependent, instrumentation. Amptek has broken another barrier in offering a low cost, easy to use system that not only performs the measurements, but also characterizes the system to satisfy QC requirements and to optimize performance across a wide range of applications.
Figure 3. Resolution vs. Peaking Time.
Amptek, Inc.
6 De Angelo Drive, Bedford, MA 01730
Tel. (781) 275-2242, Fax (781) 275-3470
Testing Solutions for Metals and PFAS in Water
January 22nd 2025When it comes to water analysis, it can be challenging for labs to keep up with ever-changing testing regulations while also executing time-efficient, accurate, and risk-mitigating workflows. To ensure the safety of our water, there are a host of national and international regulators such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union (EU) that demand stringent testing methods for drinking water and wastewater. Those methods often call for fast implementation and lengthy processes, as well as high sensitivity and reliable instrumentation. This paper explains how your ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and LC-MS-MS workflows can be optimized for compliance with the latest requirements for water testing set by regulations like US EPA methods 200.8, 6010, 6020, and 537.1, along with ISO 17294-2. It will discuss the challenges faced by regulatory labs to meet requirements and present field-proven tips and tricks for simplified implementation and maximized uptime.
