An Innovative, Compact Small Angle X-ray Scattering System for Advanced Materials Research

At the International Small-Angle Scattering Conference, Bruker announced the launch of the N8 HORIZON Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS and WAXS) system for materials research applications.

The new N8 HORIZON features an innovative and compact vertical instrument design and as a consequence provides advantages over conventional horizontal SAXS systems, such as ease-of-use, convenient sample handling, small footprint, and low cost-of-ownership. The N8 HORIZON is a powerful tool for both high-end research and for multi-user facilities investigating a variety of nano-materials from solid bulks, to fibers, surfaces or biological samples.

The N8 HORIZON is equipped with advanced technologies to achieve high data quality with short measurement time. The latest IµS™ micro-focus compact X-ray source boosts the intensity of the X-ray beam at the sample. The large 2-dimensional VÅNTEC-500™ detector based on the proprietary MIKROGAP™ technology features quantum-limited sensitivity to detect even weak SAXS signals. The revolutionary new SCATEX™ scatter-free pinholes set new benchmarks in terms of X-ray beam quality and enable high flux on the sample with improved signal-to-noise.

The N8 HORIZON addresses many requirements of a multi-user facility. Novel features, such as intelligent screen-keys for intuitive operation, ergonomic sample loading, a small footprint, and an integrated camera for quick and easy sample positioning maximize the ease-of-use and keep the learning curve for operating the instrument short. Low power consumption, no water cooling and no requirements concerning external infrastructure ensure low cost of ownership.

“The N8 HORIZON follows the Bruker philosophy of combining high technical sophistication with ease-of-use, and will bring SAXS beyond the expert level into the standard laboratory,” stated Dr. Geert Vanhoyland, Product Manager SAXS at Bruker AXS. “SAXS is a key method for characterizing nano-materials in their native environment, or under non-ambient conditions. It provides global, statistically relevant insight into the 3-dimensional nano-structural properties of new materials like catalysts, liquid crystals, etc. Moreover, SAXS is non-destructive and requires virtually no sample preparation that could influence the sample properties.”

“The N8 HORIZON perfectly fits into our successful Bruker SAXS portfolio, as this new system will further strengthen Bruker’s position as the leading SAXS company by expanding the market potential into applications which never used SAXS before,” commented Professor Dr. Peter Laggner, the Director for Nanostructure Solutions at Bruker AXS.