Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rigaku’s new SmartLab/DSC combined X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) allows simultaneous diffraction and calorimetry measurements to be made on one sample under identical conditions. Simultaneous measurements offer high throughput, and an ability to use XRD to probe subtle features of the heat flow curve due to the fact that the identical sample is measured under identical conditions.
The Smartlab/DSC uses a high-resolution wide angle X-ray diffractometer coupled with a specialized DSC unit. The DSC unit incorporates X-ray transparent windows to allow the diffraction measurements to be carried out as the DSC curve is being generated. Integrated software allows the combined data to be displayed together, with the XRD results keyed to the DSC curve. The system will operate at high and low temperature settings, and under conditions of variable humidity. An automated sample changer is available to allow automated measurements of multiple samples.
The system can be used as a process control tool, helping to understand the structural effects of the production process, and a research tool, helping to elucidate structural information at various stages of the drug discovery process.
Rigaku Americas Corporation, www.rigaku.com
