Frequently asked question

What is the difference between Equinox Technology and conventional diffractometers ?

All Equinox X-ray diffractometers employ a special detector that can measure diffraction patterns in "real time " This means that the whole of 2 theta or theta is recorded simultaneously in less than one second and at very high resolution. There is no scanning mechanical goniometer and no scanning detector and therefore there isn’t anything mechanical to go wrong. Equinox technology is based on Debbye Scherrer geometry and therefore only requires a small X-ray image at the sample. This means safer X-ray diffraction and an ability to use much smaller samples.

What does "measure in real time" mean?

This means that the whole diffraction pattern is recorded without the need to scan . All angles of 2 theta are measured simultaneously. A single Equinox detector is equivalent to several thousand conventional detectors as used by other manufacturers and each measuring or dedicated to a single channel, which is why Equinox is so much faster than conventional instruments.

What is a curved position sensitive ( CPS ) X-ray detector?

The Equinox CPS detector is an elongated proportion counter that has been designed to curve around the sample in such a way that it can detect all diffracted X-rays . The detector has a spatial resolution of around 150 microns which when used to resolve a diffraction pattern can achieve a 2 theta resolution of just 0.04 degrees FWHM. This very high resolution is always present no matter how long or short the measure time. Smaller curved detectors are also available that provide resolutions of 0.1 degrees FWHM. Because the detector anode is made of a special alloy blade rather than a wire as used in some other commercial detectors the Equinox detector is extremely rugged and very reliable.

Is the detector rugged enough to withstand the direct X-ray beam? Is it easily damaged?

Both the curved and the linear detectors can tolerate the direct X-ray beam. This is because of the special alloy blade X-ray anode used and other features of the patented design. Practically all other types of detector are easily damaged by the direct X-ray beam and especially detectors such as CCD's.

Why is it a major advantage to use an Equinox diffraction system compared to diffractometers offered by Bruker, Pan Analytical, Rigaku etc?

The answer is simple, Equinox designs are faster, easier to use, more reliable, have a two year warranty on Inel manufactured parts, have better resolution, employ superior X-ray geometry, use smaller samples, measure in "real time", they can work 24-365 and are less expensive. Apart from that they allow better Rietveld fitting, preferred orientation is much less of a problem, they offer better micro analysis options, they are more rugged, they come with twice the warranty and there are more options available.

Why don’t Bruker , Pan Analytical, Rigaku etc use curved real time detectors?

The main reason is that Equinox detectors are patented and manufactured by Inel. However sometimes you will see an Inel curved or linear detector fitted to other commercial instruments as a means of upgrading there performance to that of an Equinox.

Is it possible to have a diffraction systems with a linear detector?

Yes it is possible. We manufacture a range of linear detectors with lengths of 50 to 200mm . They are always superior to wire detectors and employ Inel alloy blade anode technology. These detectors can be used to advantage when used as part of a diffraction system to measure kinetic data such as that from furnaces and other variable temperature devices or when phase changes occur as a function of time. They are also perfect for residual stress analysis and similar applications.

Does Equinox XRD have the same resolution as other instruments?

Often the resolution is much better in that conventional mechanically scanning diffractometers have to trade resolution for measure time due to the slow measuring processes employed with these instruments. Remember that Equinox measures all angles of 2 theta simultaneously and resolution is the same no matter how long or short an analysis lasts for.

Is the measure time faster or slower than other instruments?

It is always faster

Can Equinox curved detectors be fitted to an existing diffractometer?

Yes. We offer retrofits that allow Equinox curved and linear detectors to be fitted to most commercial instruments. The retrofit can be considered as an upgrade allowing your existing diffractometer to measure in "real time "with all of the subsequent benefits.

Will Equinox allow measurements to be made from furnaces or cryostats?

Yes. These are perfect applications for Equinox technology. Think of the detector being wrapped around the furnace observing the diffraction patterns from the sample every fraction of a second and displaying the data in "real time "This is a tremendous advantage over conventional scanning diffraction instruments as manufactured by Bruker, Pan Analytical , Rigaku etc

Are there multi axis goniometers available?

Yes indeed. We manufacture a number of multi axis instruments in which a curved detector is just one of the axis. This means that we can supply very high resolution 4 circle instruments and similar.

Is there an Equinox model for measuring pole figure or texture ?

Yes. Using our multi axis technology we offer fast, high resolution, "real time" systems for pole figure, texture and stress.

Is there an Equinox model for measuring thin films?

Yes. We have standard accessories for thin film measurements.

Can I measure residual stress?

Again the answer is yes. We offer a number of systems ranging from small compact residual stress analysers, fully robotic residual stress analysers as well as detectors for those who wish to make there own stress system.

What are the sample handling options?

We offer a full range of options including 30 position auto samples, furnaces, Gandolfi attachments, thin film attachments etc.

Does Inel supply "on line instruments"?

Yes we do and we are currently supplying detectors etc to companies manufacturing on line cement analysers. We also have several designs for other applications.

What is the smallest sample or inclusion that can be measured?

Using a micro source around 15 microns diameter. Using a conventional source around 1mm X 0.1mm

Is it possible to measure single crystal or single particle samples such as single grains of sand etc?

Yes. For this you will need our Gandolfi attachment which is a compact sample mount that allows the sample to be attached to a conventional goniometer head and rotates and precesses the sample producing a conventional powder diffraction pattern.

Does Inel manufacture a compact Equinox such as a bench top?

Yes the Model 1000 is a bench top instrument . It is available as a conventional or micro X-ray diffractometer

What is the reliability of Equinox?

Very good indeed. We have installations around the world that have never been serviced in 25 years and many users operate there instruments 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Do they need routine servicing?

No. Most other instruments do but Equinox instruments do not require this level of attention. This is largely due to the fact that Equinox designs do not employ complex mechanical scanning goniometers.

What is the warranty period?

Two years on all Inel manufactured parts . See our terms and conditions.

What services do Equinox diffraction systems require?

Electricity, water and a small gas supply for the detector.

How many installations are there in the world?

Around one thousand two hundred to date.

How long has Inel manufactured XRD?

Over 30 years as of 2010.

Can I purchase a specially designed instrument?

Yes you can and we are always pleased to design and manufacture specials on request.

Does Inel offer a SAXS or WAXS diffractometer?

We manufacture the best small and wide angle diffraction systems on the market. The range includes combined SAXS and WAXS ( SWAXS) with options for 1D and 2D and offer better performance than Krattky cameras. Also we provide detector to sample distances of 0-2 meters and if required 3 meters.

What about multi purpose instruments with combined Raman and XRF?

The Equinox "Zeta" is a combined technology instrument. Raman is also available for all instruments with excitation wavelengths from 500 to 830nm as standard and specials of 1 micron or more.

What else does Inel manufacture?

We manufacture conventional X-ray generators, very high power X-ray sources, X-ray optics, safety enclosures, neutron detectors and measure electronics, short wavelength EUV optical sources with a wavelength of just 135nm. Also radiographic instruments with high speed options as well as radiographic high speed X-ray flaw detectors. We also offer a range of analytical instruments including low cost Raman systems.

Can I have a portable instrument?

Yes, and it works in real time. Perfect for geological or mineralogical applications.