Handheld XRF for Geological Analysis and Research

Bruker AXS have introduced the Tracer IV-GEO which provides high performance for handheld XRF. This analyzer includes a 30 mm² XFLASH™ Silicon Drift Detector (SDD). This detector along with the close optical coupling of the analyzer provides about three times the count rate available from typical SDD based systems.

The calibration for the Tracer IV-GEO, GEO-QUANT™ Mobile, was developed with the geosciences research community to fill the need for a flexible, customizable field worthy handheld XRF analyzer with benchtop performance. The open software architecture allows the user to acquire and view live spectral data with complete control of the acquisition conditions. In addition the calibration software allows the user not only to modify factory calibrations but create, exchange and modify their own calibrations using SPECTRA EDX, which is the same software used on the Bruker S2 RANGER series. SPECTRA EDX enables users to use full FP methods, advanced influence coefficient approach or classical empirical calibrations. Analysis can then be run using a laptop, while operating the unit in benchtop mode or loaded on the Windows Mobile driven PDA for field work.

Based on the variable alpha FP approach the TRACER IV-GEO is factory equipped with the mobile version of BRUKER’s GEO-QUANT. GEO-QUANT™ Mobile allows measurement majors, minors and traces under ambient conditions as well as in the enhanced sensitivity vacuum mode. The TRACER IV-GEO is fully field capable and supports GPS integration via Bluetooth enabled GPS receivers.

In addition to the Tracer IV-GEO the Tracer IV-SD is also available with a 10 mm² or 30 mm² detector for general research projects. The software suite supplied with the instrument allows the user to build a complete calibration using a proprietary set of standards.