Alfa Chemistry has experience with X-ray and light scattering, as well as X-ray diffraction crystallography. We offer a wide range of instrumentation to assist you in doing ground-breaking research. Professional instruments and sample accessories in our analysis laboratory include X-ray and light scattering meters, single-crystal X-ray diffractometers, powder X-ray diffractometers, and X-ray spectrometers.
X-Ray and Light Scattering
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) are non-destructive X-ray scattering technologies that can gain structural insights in situ on the length scale of 1 to 200 nm. As a result, X-ray scattering has emerged as a critical tool for researching soft, deformable, and self-assembled materials like those seen in structural biology.
SAXS is a complement to other common characterization techniques for structural biologies, such as X-ray crystallography, which can characterize structural changes in the solution. For many typical drug delivery vehicles, SAXS has long been a standard tool for determining their size, shape, and change (such as micelles, liquid crystals, vesicles, emulsion drops, and microgels). In metals, ceramics, and rocks, X-ray scattering is also utilized to investigate flaw patterns and pores.
The following are some of our scattering and diffraction facilities:
- Light Scattering Instrument
- Anton-Paar SAXSpoint
- Anton-Paar SAXSess
Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction
Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) is a technique for determining the atomic structure of crystalline materials using a single sub-millimeter-sized crystal. The X-ray beam is scattered in many distinct directions by ordered atoms. The three-dimensional atomic structure of the crystal can be determined by measuring the angle and intensity of the diffracted beam.
The following are some of our single crystal X-ray diffraction facilities:
- Bruker FR591-D85-ApexII System
- Rigaku MicroMax-007HF with MarXperts Mardtb Desktop Beamline
- Rigaku SuperNova System
Powder X-ray Diffraction
Powder X-ray diffraction, like X-ray diffraction, examines the structure of crystalline materials, but it does so with fine powders or flat solids, allowing it to be used to a larger range of materials. It is possible to determine the crystal structure, phase composition, and residual stress.
The following are some of our powder X-ray diffraction facilities:
- PANalytical X'Pert Pro MPD for high temperature and X-ray reflection measurement
X-Ray Spectroscopy
X-ray spectroscopy is a technique for detecting and measuring photons or light particles whose wavelength is in the X-ray part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electrons in an unstable atom or one attacked by high-energy particles will hop from one energy level to another. The element absorbs and releases high-energy X-ray photons in a way that is distinctive to the atoms that make up the specific chemical element as the electrons are changed. These energy shifts are measured by X-ray spectroscopy, which allows scientists to identify elements and understand how atoms in different materials interact.
The distinctive radiation released by the sample after being stimulated by X-rays can be used to determine its elemental composition. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are two techniques that take advantage of this phenomenon.
The following are some of our powder X-ray diffraction facilities:
- Line photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
- Bruker Tracer 5i XRF Spectrometer
- Bruker ARTAX XRF spectrometer
- Thermo Fisher Scientific K-Alpha+ XPS/UPS
For more information about X-ray spectroscopy facilities, please click "X-Ray and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy Facilities".
