6 X-Ray Microscope Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for x-ray microscopes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 6 x-ray microscope manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked x-ray microscope companies as of April, 2024: 1.Sigray, Inc., 2.Matsusada Precision Inc., 3.Bruker Corporation.
Table of Contents
What is an X-ray microscope?
An X-ray microscope is a microscopy technique that uses X-rays as a light source to observe the structure of an object.
X-ray microscope mainly uses transmission (absorption) X-rays and fluorescent X-rays, which are highly penetrating X-rays that can produce contrasting images by taking advantage of the attenuation reactions inherent to the internal structure, thickness, and composition of the material.
In addition, by rotating the specimen and constructing a 3D image from the continuously acquired images, it is possible to obtain a tomographic image (so-called CT). In general, spatial resolution in microscopy using electromagnetic waves depends on the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves. Since the wavelength of X-ray is 100 to 10,000 times shorter than that of visible light, it is possible to obtain a high-resolution image.
Uses of X-ray microscope
X-ray microscope is mainly used for research and development in the industrial field as well as for inspections at manufacturing sites. It can also be used to evaluate the structure of rocks and other materials to obtain parameters for characterization as new raw materials.
In the semiconductor manufacturing field, it is increasingly used to characterize products that have undergone ultrafine processing. When observing biological samples that contain a large amount of water, images with high contrast can be obtained by using the X-ray wavelength range where water absorption is low.
Principle of X-ray microscope
X-ray microscope uses X-rays to irradiate a sample and obtain images and perform component analysis by using the transmission (absorption) X-rays and fluorescent X-ray signals obtained from the material. The wavelengths of the X-rays used are often called soft X-rays (1-10 nm). In particular, the region from 2.3 to 4.3 nm is called the "water window" because water absorption is extremely low, and is used for observation of biological samples.
X-ray microscopies are classified into two types: those that use X-ray transmittance as a contrast to acquire images, and those that detect fluorescent X-rays generated by X-ray irradiation. X-ray fluorescence is a signal produced by the emission of X-rays corresponding to the energy difference between the inner and outer shells when outer-shell electrons relax into holes created by the excitation of inner-shell electrons in a material by X-ray irradiation.
Since fluorescent X-rays have wavelengths unique to each atom, they can be applied to elemental analysis. X-ray microscopes can also be broadly classified into two types, depending on the optical system and the presence or absence of optical elements. X-ray microscope without optical elements uses the projection magnification method and the contact method for observation.
Since the X-ray image cannot be magnified by using a lens, the sample is physically separated from the imaging surface and the image is magnified and projected. The imaging method using optical elements is realized by using zone plates with light commentary or mirrors that utilize total or multilayer reflection.
X-ray microscope
1. The difference between X-ray microscope and Electron microscopy
X-ray microscopes use X-rays as their light source, whereas electron microscopy uses electron beams to illuminate the specimen and magnify the image. An electron beam is a fast stream of electrons. An atom is composed of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting it. When protons, neutrons, and electrons are accelerated to very high speeds in a device called an accelerator, they become radiation in the form of proton, neutron, and electron beams.
Unlike X-rays, electron beams are particle beams and therefore have limited penetrating power. The penetration power of an electron beam is determined by the acceleration voltage: the higher the acceleration voltage, the deeper the electrons can penetrate, and the lower the density of the irradiated object, the deeper it can penetrate.
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
A thin-film sample is irradiated with electron beams, and the electron beams transmitted through the sample are passed through an electron lens to produce an enlarged image on a fluorescent plate illuminated by the electron beams. The electron lens bends the electron beam by means of an electric or magnetic field to form an image.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
A narrowly focused electron beam is irradiated in a vacuum to scan the surface of a sample to detect secondary electrons and reflected electrons emitted from the sample. Secondary electrons are those emitted by the irradiated electron beam that knocks out other electrons in the sample, while reflected electrons are those emitted by the irradiated electrons that are reflected from the surface of the sample.
When an X-ray detector is attached to a scanning electron microscope, it can be used as an X-ray analyzer to determine the type and amount of elements contained in a sample.
2. Scanning X-ray microscope
This is a type of X-ray microscope that uses hard X-rays as a probe. Hard X-rays have a short wavelength of around 0.1 nm, and in principle, high resolution is possible. In addition to transmission (absorption), refraction, and reflection, interactions with materials include photoelectrons, fluorescent X-rays, elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, magnetic absorption and scattering, and many others.
Furthermore, its high transmissivity allows for non-destructive observation and is used for atmospheric measurements. Scanning X-ray microscopes consist of a focused X-ray beam, a stage for scanning the sample, and a detector. While scanning the sample, X-ray analysis (transmitted X-ray, fluorescent X-ray, scattered X-ray, etc.) is performed to visualize various types of information.
List of 6 X-Ray Microscope Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Deutschland
- Japan
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Bruker Corporation
X-ray Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
Bruker, founded in 1960 and based in Billerica, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer and distributor of scientific instruments and analytical and diagnostic solutions. The company's product range includes analyzers, microscopes, and imaging solutions, which have applications in fields such as life science research, cell biology, and microbiology. In 1969, the company developed the world's first FT-NMR spectrometer system, enabling broadband proton decoupling. In 1997, it further expanded its capabilities by acquiring the analytical X-ray division of Siemens AG. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications, and its products are available for sale worldwide.
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Sigray, Inc.
X-ray Microscopes
Company Overview
Sigray Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Concord, California, is a manufacturer and supplier of advanced laboratory x-ray systems. The company's product range includes X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy systems, X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy systems, 3D X-ray Microscopes, and Components such as Multi-Target X-ray Sources, and X-ray Optics. These products are used in applications like semiconductor processing, materials science research, battery testing, and geosciences and mineralogy. It primarily serves industries such as semiconductors, life sciences, geosciences, and pharmaceuticals. The company also provides expertise in microscopy, metrology, fluorescence, and imaging.
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HORIBA
X-ray Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
HORIBA RADIO LABORATORY was established in Japan in 1945 and has spent the last three-quarters of a century growing as an R&D company and engaged in international operations. HORIBA Scientific offers 200 years of experience developing high-performance scientific instruments and analytical solutions. The HORIBA Group of worldwide companies provides an extensive array of instruments and systems for applications ranging from automotive R&D, process and environmental monitoring, in-vitro medical diagnostics, semiconductor manufacturing, and metrology to a broad range of scientific R&D and QC measurements. Operating in Asia, Europe, and North and South America, HORIBA scientific develops solutions that go beyond just products.
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Rigaku Corporation
X-ray Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
Rigaku Corporation established in Tokyo, Japan in 1951, is a manufacturer of oil seals used in FDP industries. The company develops and supplies universities, industry, and government labs integrated solutions across variety of disciplines, including structural proteomics, nanoengineering research, general purpose X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopy (XRF), materials analysis and quality assurance. The company has 1,400 employees and worldwide operations based in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China. The company also has worldwide customer and technical support.
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Matsusada Precision Inc.
X-ray Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
Matsusada Precision Inc is located in Shiga, Japan, and was established in 1978, known as the developer, manufacturer, and global supplier of power supply products and imaging products. The power supply products include high voltage amplifiers, AC, DC, and regenerative DC power supplies as well as optical sensors, which have their use in research centers, aerospace, analytical instruments, electronics, and almost all industries that use power to operate. The imaging products are associated with businesses that use X-ray inspection as a service such as life sciences and electronics Environmental improvement equipment is also supplied, but only in Japan.
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ZEISS Microscopy
X-ray Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
ZEISS Microscopy, established in Jena, Germany, in 1846 is a manufacturer of optics and optoelectronics used in Precision Mechanics, Binoculars, Microscopy, and Eyeglass Lenses. Their product portfolio includes precision optics, such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms, laser mirrors used in laser cutting, and medical devices, optoelectronic devices and Coatings and Thin Films. The company also provides solutions including industrial quality, microscopy research, project simulation, sample testing and product development. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
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X-Ray Microscope Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sigray, Inc. |
30.8%
|
| 2 | Bruker Corporation |
30.8%
|
| 3 | Matsusada Precision Inc. |
23.1%
|
| 4 | ZEISS Microscopy |
7.7%
|
| 5 | HORIBA |
7.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the x-ray microscope page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- ZEISS Microscopy: 35,000
- HORIBA: 8,205
- Matsusada Precision Inc.: 160
Newly Established Company
- Sigray, Inc.: 2013 (11 years ago)
- Matsusada Precision Inc.: 1978 (46 years ago)
- HORIBA: 1945 (79 years ago)
Company with a History
- ZEISS Microscopy: 1846 (178 years ago)
- HORIBA: 1945 (79 years ago)
- Matsusada Precision Inc.: 1978 (46 years ago)
X-Ray Microscope Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of X-Ray Microscope Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
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3 | 50.0% |
United States of America
|
2 | 33.3% |
| Deutschland | 1 | 16.7% |
