Micro-XRF Laboratory

The Department of Geology houses a Bruker M4 Tornado Plus µXRF. This instrument was purchased in 2024 with the aid of the National Research Foundation’s National Equipment Programme.

The M4 Tornado Plus µXRF is an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) capable of analysing large areas with small analytical spot sizes. It thus enables rapid elemental mapping and EDS-based quantification of materials. The primary X-ray excitation (anode material Rh) uses a poly-capillary lens offering a 20 µm spot size and high X-ray intensity. The additional X-ray tube (anode material Rh) allows analyses of mm-sized spots. The large-area (2 x 60 mm²) silicon drift detectors offer high throughput. A complete element spectrum is obtained for every pixel of the scan area and permits the calculation of the distribution of single elements. Scan areas of up to 19 x 16 cm can be investigated. The M4 Tornado Plus enable the analysis of light elements down to carbon. For this purpose, the sample chamber can be pumped down to a vacuum of 2 mbar, reducing atmospheric absorption of long wavelength X-rays. It is also possible to measure under atmospheric pressure, so wet samples and biological samples can be analysed. AMICS software allows for automated identification and quantification of minerals and synthetic phases, making the system a fully automated mineral liberation analyser.

For further information and to book time on the instrument please contact Axel Hofmann (ahofmann@uj.ac.za).