How did Leonardo Da Vinci manage to paint such perfect faces? XRF analysis has shown the composition and thickness of each layer of material laid down by the painter. The results reveal that, in the case of glazes, thin layers of 1–2 µm have been applied.

Non-destructive, high resolution, sediment core scanners incorporating X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry are now widely used by sub-disciplines in the earth and environmental sciences and have revolutionised the analysis of sediment cores. These powerful instruments allow the cores to be analysed rapidly with virtually no sample preparation. They can record along-core variations for many elements in the Periodic Table from Al to U and detection limits down to a few ppm can be achieved in favourable conditions depending on the acquisition dwell time.

Elemental and isotope analysis of the metals in ancient artefacts such as the prutah shown here sometimes can pinpoint the places where the metal was mined. This can be combined with historical sources to determine when the coin was likely struck. Archaeologists can use the evidence to identify or narrow date ranges of historical significance.

The first researchers have arrived on the latest experimental station to become operational at the Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron facility. The new experimental station (B18) offers X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS).

Jean-Philippe Echarda and Loïc BertrandbaLaboratoire de recherche et de restauration, Musée de la musique, Cité de la musique, 221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France. E-mail: jpechard@cite-musique.frbIPANEMA, synchrotron SOLEIL, Saint-Aubin, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France

Introduction

For the past two centuries, the nature of the varnishes coating historical instruments has been a much debated subject. Focusing in particular on the varnishes used for coating violins made by the Italian instrument-maker Antonio Stradivari, numerous hypotheses have been raised by instrument-makers, experts, musicians and chemists, without reaching a general understanding of the ancient varnishing techniques. A few years ago, we decided to work on this topic using several complementary approaches for materials characterisation and study of historical sources (ancient varnish recipes, etc.).

PANalytical has extended the compatibility of its Omnian standardless analysis software to include the benchtop MiniPal 4 XRF spectrometer. This combination provides quantification of unknowns in situations where certified standards are not available. Omnian provides elemental analysis of all materials no matter how they have been prepared. Typical applications include rapid screening, comparative analysis and R&D investigations.

Chemplex is introducing a new line of unbreakable chemically resistant polyethylene transfer pipettes with integrated bulbs for filling XRF sample cups ensuring equal volumes of sample substances for X-ray analysis. This reduces the potential effects on x-ray data that translates to variations in concentration levels.Typical uses include: diesel and gasoline fuels, fluid lubricants, paint, chemicals, waste oils and many more sample materials requiring an inexpensive method of transferring samples into sample cups safely, without spillage, no contamination issues and economically priced for disposability.

Horiba has announced the construction of a new research facility and European headquarters on the campus of the École Polytechnique in Paris. The new centre will give Horiba access to a pool of innovative technologies, resources and personnel from nearby academic, government and commercial research centres. It is due to open in late 2011.  www.horiba.com/uk/scientific

Edax Incorporated has launched its TEAM EDS system with Smart Features which provides expert knowledge into every system. The system offers a modern interface that allows for an open layout and maximises the display area for results.

The new xSORT hand-held XRF spectrometer from Spectro Analytical can achieve laboratory-quality analysis on soil and waste samples. It is convenient to use for on-site screening measurements and, complete with battery pack, weighs less than 4 pounds.

Johan BomanDepartment of Chemistry, Atmospheric Science, University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden. E-mail: johan.boman@chem.gu.se

Introduction

In urban environments, where the majority of the human population lives, air pollution is a major threat to human health. In many countries and regions of the world, this has led to the implementation of regulations to control the emissions of air pollutants and limits for the allowed concentrations of different types of air pollutants. The limits are set at levels at which harm to the health may occur if the limits are exceeded. One of these pollutants is aerosol particles. In most cases, the environmental quality standards limit is set to a certain mass concentration of particles of a certain size.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a new addition to its range of automated OES and XRF spectrometers which integrates multiple stand-alone laboratory instruments, including sample preparation, in a fully automated cell to optimise the entire analytical workflow and improve process control efficiencies in the mining and metals industries.

For high-precision spectroscopy and structural studies of molecules, short light flashes with lowest possible wavelength, i.e., high photon energy, are required. Currently, x-ray flashes of some attosecond (10–18 s) duration are accessible experimentally. Even shorter pulses with even higher photon energy would improve the temporal and spatial resolution, or would allow for the investigation of even smaller structures, such as for example atomic nuclei. In so-called pump-probe experiments, two light pulses of exactly controllable distance are utilised to observe rapid system changes in slow motion.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced four new analytical packages designed to improve industry-specific routine X-ray analysis. The packages are based on their ARL Optim'x WDXRF spectrometer, offering a range of sequential and simultaneous spectrometers with pre-configured analytical packages which are specifically tailored to meet the analytical testing requirements of metallurgy, petrochemical, cement and central laboratories. The first of the four packages is ARL Optim'x Sulphur Analyser for ultra-low analysis in heavy and light fuels and oils, which is a compact, reliable WDXRF platform configured with dedicated multichromators. The ARL Optim'x Cement Analyser delivers reliable analysis of major and minor oxides present in the raw materials and products found in the cement industry. For routine analysis of samples in the metal industry, the ARL Optim'x Slag Analyser provides analysis of major and minor oxides in slags. Finally, the ARL Optim'x Optiquantometer allows the analysis of 73 elements, from fluorine to uranium, in a range of conductive or non-conductive materials. Specifically targetted at central laboratories, this package enables the replacement of wet chemical analysis or as a complement to AA and ICP analysers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Issue: 21/05 RSN: 125 More information via

Thermo Fisher Scientific have announced the availability of a new demonstration DVD which serves as a convenient evaluation tool to increase efficiency in elemental analysis laboratories in a variety of application areas in the metallurgy industry, from foundries to large aluminium smelters and modern steel works. Featuring a video of the automated ARL Metals Analyser with SMS-2000 sampling manipulation systems the DVD is designed to allow current and prospective customers to discover the features, benefits and abilities of automation. It provides a complete overview of the ARL SMS-2000 series, featuring the benefits of full laboratory workflow automation, from sample preparation and analysis to sample labelling and result distribution. Designed for use with Thermo's OES or XRF spectrometers, the system provides an integrated automation solution with operational flexibility to cover the most demanding applications. A choice of sample preparation techniques is available for metals and oxides. Users are able to achieve more precise results in less time and are able to work closer to low-grade specification limits, saving expensive alloying material. The DVD can be requested free-of-charge from the company's website.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the exclusive rental partner for the Niton range of portable XRF analysers for the UK and Republic of Ireland markets. www.ashtead-technology.com/uk

Simon FitzGeraldHORIBA Jobin Yvon Ltd, 2 Dalston Gardens, London, HA7 1BQ, UK. E-mail: simon.fitzgerald@horiba.com

Introduction

Spectroscopy plays a vital role in the forensic scientist’s task to analyse crime scene evidence. At the crime scene itself, the emphasis is on locating evidence which can be used to understand events that have occurred and to provide information about method and identity of the perpetrator.

A new capillary filling station, which is the first X-ray accessory out of the co-operation between AJK Analytical Services and Huber, is now available. The Capillary Boy, with its Huber design, has been developed to fill glass capillary tubes more rapidly and conveniently making it possible to fill a capillary tube in less than one minute, depending on the powder.

Issue: 21/03 RSN: 106

The latest high voltage power supply from Applied Kilovolts is a benchtop model providing stable output of up to 30 kV. The Alpha IV produces a low ripple of less than 100 ppm with output current of up to 10 mA and low drift. Polarity is switchable electronically through a digital interface as are all other control functions. When in Limit mode, the power supply operates in constant voltage or constant current mode, depending on the load, with automatic crossover from one mode to the other and when in Trip mode, the power supply will trip once the set level is reached. Applications include research and development of analytical instruments in fields such as mass spectrometry, surface science, X-ray imaging and insulation testing of cables and components.

Applied Kilovolts Limited Issue: 21/01 RSN: 111