The XtaLAB PRO series is designed around the popular HPAD (hybrid pixel array detector) technology. This series of systems may be configured with any of the sealed tube, microfocus, or rotating anode X-ray sources making it suitable to meet a wide range of sample types from organic compounds to MOF's and macromolecules.

The near perfect detector, based around the latest HPAD advances, greatly expands the capabilities of the systems in terms of speed of data acquisition and more accurate measurement of weak data. The standard detector in the XtaLAB PRO series is the PILATUS3 R 200K, which is well proven in the field and based on the same technology adopted by synchrotron beamlines around the world. The outstanding characteristics of these detectors ensure that every XtaLAB PRO diffractometer will produce the best data possible for the X-ray source selected.

A choice of Rigaku's ever reliable X-ray sources are available to match both budget and requirement. Single or dual source options are available, as well as custom configurations. If your requirement is predominantly for macromolecule applications, click here.

Why the HPAD?

There are basically four types of detectors currently being used with single crystal diffractometers: HPAD, CCD, CMOS, and IP. The HPAD is the newest technology and is unique in that it is a photon counting detector that directly detects X-ray photons without the intermediate step of converting the photons to light with a phosphor.
The HPAD allows for shutterless data collection due to the extremely fast readout as well as the high dynamic range. In addition the extremely low noise characteristics means that you can count poorly diffracting samples for a long period of time without swamping the signal with electronic noise. The combination of these features means that you will collect better data faster.

X-ray Sources

While the HPAD is the common element of the XtaLAB PRO series, the selection of X-ray sources is quite diverse and allows one to select an X-ray source configuration based on the radiation type or types as well as the level of flux desired. The standard configuration for the XtaLAB PRO (figure 3) includes a Cu MicroMax-003 microfocus sealed tube source and a 3kW Mo standard sealed tube source with a SHINE (curved graphite monochromator) optic. For samples that require higher flux, two rotating anode sources (MicroMax-007 HF and FR-X) are available and offer a low-maintenance regimen compared to rotating anodes of the past. While the ongoing maintenance of a rotating anode generator is more than that of a sealed tube generator, the increase in flux at the sample is significantly higher and allows researcher to measure samples that could only previously be measured at a synchrotron.

A Work Environment Designed for Research

The XtaLAB PRO series is housed in a newly developed enclosure that was designed to improve the workflow of mounting air-sensitive and temperature sensitive samples. There is space inside the XtaLAB PRO enclosure for a microscope and a dewar. No matter what type of samples you are working with, the ability to identify and mount crystals in the proximity of the diffractometer can be a true time saver. In the case of air-sensitive and temperature-sensitive crystals, having close proximity of the mounting station to the goniometer can mean the difference between a crystal that diffracts and a crystal that dies.