Bruker M4 Tornado micro-XRF

The Bruker M4 TORNADO is a rapid, non-destructive micro-XRF (X-ray fluorescence) system for elemental characterisation and high-resolution mapping of complex materials, ideal for quickly screening large areas. It delivers composition and element distribution information (including from slightly below the surface) via point analyses, line scans and 2D mapping - producing a hyperspectral data cube.

What is micro-XRF?
X-ray fluorescence is an analytical technique that determines a material’s elemental composition by measuring the characteristic X-rays emitted when the sample is irradiated with primary X-rays. It is widely used across science and engineering due to its rapid, non-destructive analysis and its suitability for a broad range of sample types.

Micro-XRF, as implemented on the Bruker M4 TORNADO, is a fine focused ~20µm X-ray beam, which enables high-resolution chemical information that can be directly related to sample texture. The instrument builds maps by collecting dense arrays of fine line scans and assigning a full XRF spectrum to each pixel. The result is a hyperspectral data cube that can be processed to generate detailed elemental distribution maps and phase/mineral maps.

Mineralogy and Phase Mapping:
Micro-XRF hyperspectral data can be converted into mineral/phase maps, using Bruker’s SEM software AMICS (Automated Mineral Identification and Characterization System). This enables quantitative reports for mineralogical characterisation, supporting workflows from first pass mapping through to modal mineralogy and texture/association studies. As such, the instrument is highly suitable for a multitude of samples including, drill core, billets, hand samples, thin sections and grain mounts.

Instrument Specifications:
The primary X-ray source utilizes a rhodium anode and a polycarpellary lens to offer small spot analysis (20µm) with high excitation. Additionally, the instrument has a dual detector (30mm SDD) setup and the ability to produce a 20mbar vacuum within the chamber. This allows the M4 tornado to detect elements from the Na-Am range up to 35 keV spectrally.

X-Ray Spot Size: 20µm
Anode Material: Rhodium
Tube parameters: 50 kV, 30 W
Detectors: 30mm - XFlash® silicon drift detectors, detection from Na to Am
Maximum Mapping Area: 190 mm x 160 mm
Measurement Atmosphere: Air or up to 20mbar
Software: M4 (Control), AMICS

Location: Foxtail Building 1019, Room 221, Long Pocket Campus
Contact: Jack van der Pal - j.vanderpal@uq.edu.au