Overview
(Nano)material analysis on multiple length scales
Like no other lab instrument on the market, the Empyrean Nano edition covers Bragg spacings from sub-Ångströms to micron(s) and a scattering vector q-range spanning over almost five decades - without any gaps.
The combination of USAXS with SAXS/WAXS and PDF measurements on the Empyrean Nano edition uniquely enables for the characterization of hierarchical structures on multiple length scales, covering Bragg spacings from sub-Ångström to micron(s).
Key applications
Empyrean supports variety of X-ray scattering techniques
SAXS Small-angle X-ray scattering
SAXS is the main application on the Empyrean Nano edition. It is one of the most versatile tools to analyze nanoscale structures and dimensions on a variety of sample types (liquids, powders, solids, gels...). Samples may be amorphous, crystalline or semi-crystalline. Typical samples that can be investigated with SAXS include colloidal dispersions, surfactants, polymers, biomacromolecules, membranes, nanocomposites, nanopowders and porous materials. The orientation of anisotropic nanoscale structures can be investigated by measuring 2D SAXS patterns. Read more about SAXS
Bio-SAXS SAXS on biomacromolecules
Small-angle X-ray scattering applied to dilute protein solutions has become an accepted and rapidly growing structural biology technique. It provides information e.g. about the overall protein size and shape, folding and unfolding, aggregation behavior, stability and molecular weight. Measurements can be done under near native conditions, and under variation of e.g. protein concentration, pH, ionic strength or temperature. SAXS ultimately also allows for a low-resolution molecular shape envelope reconstruction and thus delivers information that is complementary to that obtained from single crystal XRD or NMR. Malvern Panalytical's EasySAXS software is available for basic bio-SAXS data analysis. Data can be exported in a format that is compatible with the EMBL ATSAS software, which can be used for 3D protein shape reconstruction and other advanced tasks.
WAXS Wide-angle X-ray scattering
Based on the diffraction pattern measured at the higher angles one can identify and quantify crystalline phases that are present in a given sample, as well as estimate the size of nanocrystallites. The orientation of the crystal lattice in anisotropic structures, e.g. in polymers, can be investigated by measuring 2D WAXS patterns.
USAXS Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering
For the characterization of samples containing particles or structural features in the size range of several hundreds of nanometers the resolution of a conventional SAXS setup is insufficient. On the Empyrean Nano edition high-resolution optics in combination with the high-resolution goniometer enable for accessing ultra-small angles, down to as low as 0.005 deg 2theta. The characteristic oscillations in the scattering curve from highly monodisperse particles can be readily resolved, even with a particle diameter as large as 1.5 µm.
Total scattering
Total scattering experiments use hard X-ray radiation and scans up to very high 2theta angles so as to acquire data up to highest possible scattering vectors. From the deduced atomic pair distribution function (PDF) the short-range atomic order in nanocrystalline and disordered materials can be deduced. The Empyrean Nano edition equipped with the GaliPIX3D detector and with effective anti-scatter devices enables for obtaining very high-quality experimental data, and optionally under non-ambient conditions. Results are in good agreement with those that are obtained at synchrotron radiation facilities.
Read more about total scattering
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A dd more applications - also as later upgrades
Depending on your specific research interest the Empyrean Nano edition can be further upgraded, e.g. by adding thin film techniques such as GISAXS and X-ray reflectivity, classical powder X-ray diffraction or computed tomography. Malvern Panalytical also constantly develops additional options, improvements and analytical solutions that are back-compatible with the existing Malvern Panalytical instrument platforms.
Features
Maximum flexibility
The unique flexibility to easily and quickly configure the Empyrean Nano edition for the different X-ray scattering techniques is enabled by a 2-circle goniometer platform on which quickly interchangeable, pre-aligned X-ray modules (PreFIX) and sample stages can be mounted. Whereas SAXS measurements can be readily done with a static detector, the goniometer comes into play for accessing the extended angular range that is required for WAXS and ultimately for total scattering (PDF) measurements. With a smallest 2theta step width of 0.0001 deg the high-resolution goniometer also readily supports the USAXS application. For accessing highest possible scattering vectors, the standard Cu X-ray tube can be easily exchanged against a Ag or Mo one.
High-performing detectors
The performance of the X-ray detector is critical for obtaining high-quality X-ray scattering data. Our hybrid pixel area detectors, GaliPIX3D and PIXcel3D, excel by their very low intrinsic noise and a high dynamic range. Their high spatial resolution enables for experimental setups that are rather compact and conveniently fit within the 240 mm goniometer radius. The GaliPIX3D detector, having 100% absorption efficiency for Cu, Mo and Ag radiation, is the detector of choice when you want to perform not only SAXS/WAXS but also fast PDF measurements.
SAXS/WAXS with ScatterX78
With the ScatterX78 module, you can perform small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) measurements on nanomaterials.
The SAXS signal allows for the dimensional and structural analysis of a material on the nanoscale. Complementary information about the crystalline phases, the size of nanocrystallites and their orientation can be obtained from the WAXS signal. ScatterX78 can be used for the characterization of a variety of samples, such as colloidal dispersions, polymers, protein solutions, surfactants, nanopowders and liquid crystals.
USAXS option for ultimate small-angle resolution
On the Empyrean Nano edition the resolution can be pushed to ultra-small angles by using a Bonse-Hart type of experimental setup based on pre-aligned, high-resolution optical components. With such a USAXS setup the smallest accessible scattering angle is approximately 0.005 deg, with a corresponding largest Bragg spacing of 1700 nm.
Easily accessible, radiation-safe enclosure
The Empyrean Nano edition meets all relevant worldwide regulations regarding electrical, mechanical and X-ray safety, by default also for hard X-rays. The experimental setup is within a radiation-safe enclosure that has large see-through windows. Wide-opening doors enable for easy access to the setup when required.
Specification
Enclosure
Radiation-safe enclosure with large see-through windows and wide opening doors.
Goniometer
| Type | vertical 2-circle goniometer; theta - theta geometry |
| Radius | 240 mm |
| Resolution | 0.0001 deg |
| Interfaces | PreFIX type, enabling quick exchange of pre-aligned optics, stages and detectors |
SAXS / WAXS specifications
| Camera length | 480 mm |
| X-ray source | sealed high-resolution X-ray tube (Cu anode) |
| Collimation type | line collimation (standard)
possibility to transform to point collimation |
| Incident beam optics | 1D focusing X-ray mirror |
| Beam path | ScatterX78, evacuated (< 0.1 mbar); includes sample capsule |
| Sample holders | liquids, solids, powders |
| Temperature control | temperature-controlled capillary holder (5-70°C)
uses disposable, low-background capillaries |
| Beam stop | beamstops for line and point collimation - easily switchable; semi-transparent |
| Detector | low-noise, hybrid pixel area detectors:
GaliPIX3D: CdTe sensor; resolution 60 µm or PIXcel3D: Si sensor; resolution 55 µm |
| Measurement mode | static or scanning detector (1D or 2D full pattern) |
| Accessible 2theta range | 0.08 - 78 deg |
| Accessible q-range | 0.006 - 5.14 Å-1 |
| Maximum Bragg spacing | 100 nm |
| Software | Data Collector , EasySAXS , XRD2Dscan , HighScore (Plus) |
USAXS specifications
| X-ray source | sealed high-resolution X-ray tube (Cu anode) |
| Collimation type | line collimation |
| Incident beam optics | 4-crystal Ge(220) monochromator |
| Receiving optics | 3-bounce Ge (220) analyzer crystal |
| Sample stages/holders | liquids, solids, powders |
| Sample changer | optional for solids and powders |
| Detector | proportional counter, PIXcel3D or PIXcel1D |
| Measurement mode | step scanning (0D) |
| Minimum 2theta | 0.0050 deg |
| Minimum q-value | 0.00036 Å-1 |
| Maximum Bragg spacing | 1700 nm |
| Software | Data Collector , EasySAXS |
Total scattering (PDF analysis) specifications
| X-ray source | sealed X-ray tube (Ag or Mo anode) |
| Collimation type | line collimation |
| Incident beam optics | 1D focusing X-ray mirror or slit system |
| Detector | GaliPIX3D : CdTe sensor with 100% efficiency also for hard radiation or scintillation counter |
| Measurement mode | scanning (1D or 0D) |
| Maximum 2Theta | 160 deg |
| Maximum q-value | 22 Å-1 |
| Software | Data Collector , HighScore (Plus) |
Accessories
Detectors
Software
EasySAXS 2.2
EasySAXS is an advanced, user-friendly software package for the analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data.
XRD2DScan
XRD2DScan is Malvern Panalytical’s software package for the visualization of 2D diffraction data and the conversion into different types of 1D scans.
X-ray diffraction software
Our XRD software packages are designed to extract every bit of information from your material.
X-ray tubes
Empyrean Tube
The Empyrean Tube is optimized for Malvern Panalytical's Empyrean diffractometers.
Non-ambient chambers
Non-ambient chambers
We offer a wide range of non-ambient solutions placing ‘in situ’ in front of nearly every application supported on our XRD instruments.
Support
Services
Solutions to maximize the return on your investment
To assure that your instrument remains in top condition and performs on the highest level, Malvern Panalytical offers a wide range of services. Our expertise and support services assure an optimal functioning of your instrument.
Support
Service for a lifetime
- Phone and remote support
- Preventive maintenance and checkups
- Flexible Customer Care Agreements
- Performance certificates
- Hardware and software upgrades
- Local and global support
Expertise
Adding value to your processes
- Sample preparation development/optimization
- Analytical methodologies
- Turnkey solutions for XRD
- Operations via IQ/OQ/PQ, quality assurance (GLP, ISO17025) or round robins/inter laboratory studies
- Automation of lab processes
- Consultancy services
Training and education
- Training on-site or at our competence centers
- Broad range of basic and advanced courses on products, applications and software
