THE PLANET

A high resolution x-ray diffractometer for powders

The PLANET, from xplorex company, is a portable powder diffractometer (XRD) with sufficient attainable resolution to identify even the most complex mixtures of minerals

• On-site XRD analysis for Geology and Mineralogy

One of the most important applications of X-ray diffraction is  the identification of the phases in soil samples taken during an exploration. Among others the results of these analyses help you decide whether it is worthwhile to return to the site for further investigation.

What if these analyses could be done already in the field?

• Save significantly on lead time and cost
• In-situ sample preparation and XRD analysis
• Allow for pre-selection of sample. Only the most interesting ones need to be sent to a laboratory.
• Immediately yield the results where and when you need them

Therefore, welcome the PLANET !

• A portable diffractometer designed to meet all the specifications needed for complex phase identifications
• Works on a set of Li-ion batteries with constant performance of minimum 4 hours  (20Ah at 24 V)
• 30W X-ray tube with Cu-anode. Co on request
• Ultra-sensitive linear detector covering 7° in 2Theta
• Compact design based on the Seemann-Bohlin focusing geometry

Performance

Angular range

The PLANET covers an extraordinary angular range in both incident- and scattering angles, which is unsurpassed by any portable X-ray diffractometer:

• Angle of incidence range: 6.7° – 45°
• Scattering angle: 7° to 120° 2Theta

Over the whole range of the measured XRD pattern the peak positions deviate less than 0.02° from the theoretically predicted.
  

A hi-res solution in a suitcase

The exceptional resolution of the PLANET is demonstrated below.

The peaks are measured on LaB₆ , a well-accepted standard to quantify the attainable resolution of a powder diffractometer. Profile fitting of these two peaks shows an FWHM of 0.10° in 2Theta.

Examples

To validate the Planet in-field X-ray diffractometer, we took two samples readily at hand to identify the phases therein. Kitchen salt and Calcite. We measured these samples from 23 – 110^o 2Theta. We analyzed both X-ray diffraction patterns with the Match! software from Crystal Impact. In both samples the correct phases were identified without the need to apply any restrictions. We just loaded the pattern and the software automatically came up with the correct result.

Anatase in Rutile

One of the classical applications of XRD is the quantitative determination of the amount of anatase in rutile. We received a sample of Rutile, where the manufacturer claimed it contained 99.9% of Rutile, while the customer measured approximately 95% with his laboratory based diffractometer. With the Planet in-field diffractometer and the Match! software we found an estimated 4.4% of Anatase, using the RIR method.