Subject: Materials Analysis and the Environment

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The Bridge | Materials Analysis eNewsletter

NOVEMBER 2023, ISSUE 124

WELCOME

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VIDEO OF THE MONTH

$Rigaku MiniFlex XpC a manufacturing-optimized powder diffractometer for quality control measurements$

Rigaku MiniFlex XpC: a Manufacturing-Optimized Powder Diffractometer for Quality Control Measurements

In a move to bring lab-quality performance to the manufacturing floor, Rigaku introduces the MiniFlex XpC, a manufacturing-optimized powder diffractometer for fast and accurate quality control measurements. It is extremely easy to operate using Rigaku’s new EasyX quality control software, which requires minimal clicks to run. A minimal interface means there will be no accidental error variance from operator to operator. The MiniFlex XpC can be configured with a conveyor belt or robot for automated sample processing and collaboration with other instruments. With an 800 W X-ray source and a short-diameter goniometer, the system has the performance of a lab unit, and thus can greatly improve throughput for quality control measurements.

Watch the video >

UPCOMING EVENTS

Materials Research Society (MRS2023)
November 26, 2023 - December 1, 2023 Boston, MA

Website

SEMICON Japan 2023
December 13, 2023 - December 15, 2023 Tokyo, Japan

Elevate Your Semiconductor Experience! Rigaku invites you to be a part of #SEMICONJapan2023, the pinnacle event that unites the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain for a journey through the latest insights, trends, and innovations driving the industry's digital transformation.

Explore groundbreaking applications powered by semiconductor technology, from reshaping the automotive industry to propelling the Internet of Things (IoT) into new realms. Witness the future unfold as we redefine what's possible.

Visit the Rigaku Booth #4427: Immerse yourself in a world of cutting-edge technology at our booth. Discover the precision and innovation that Rigaku brings to the #semiconductor landscape. Engage with our experts, explore our solutions, and be part of the future of semiconductor metrology.

Website

Thermal Analysis Technical Seminar: Let’s Evaluate Materials With TMA
December 19, 2023 Webinar

Rigaku School for Practical Crystallography 2024
January 15, 2024 - January 26, 2024 Online event
Register Now

Analytica 2024

The analytica trade fair will be held from April 9 to 12, 2024 in Munich, Germany. It presents innovative products, systems and applications from the entire laboratory value chain for industry and research.

The event brings together industry leaders, scientists and experts, providing a unique networking opportunity. The analytica conference, featuring world premieres and product highlights, allows attendees to interact with the scientific elite and explore the latest analytical findings.

Visitors can look forward to exploring Rigaku's innovative products, systems and applications, contributing to the event's comprehensive market overview.

PRODUCT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SMARTLAB STUDIO II

Artificial Intelligence Powered

X-ray Reflectivity Analysis Diagnostics

Works with SmartLab Studio II version 5.0 with the relevant plugin (Powder Plugin, XRR Plugin or Cluster Analysis option)

SmartLab Studio II is a Windows^®-based software suite developed for the flagship Rigaku SmartLab X-ray diffractometer that integrates user privileges, measurements, analyses, data visualization and reporting. Newly available for the MiniFlex, the modular (plugin) architecture of this software delivers state-of-the-art interoperability between the functional components.

Explore the new AI functionality available.

How does AI help me?

This AI-powered module can suggest how to adjust your simulation model to improve the quality and accuracy of X-ray reflectivity (XRR) analysis.

A trained network can suggest what might be causing the discrepancy between the experimental and simulated profiles, such as a missing surface layer.

Correcting the simulation model based on the suggestion can improve the XRR fitting accuracy.

How does AI learn to predict the cause of a discrepancy?

This module uses a neural network-based deep- learning algorithm. A neural network can be trained and learn what type of discrepancy between measured and simulated XRR profiles appears for the

particular error in the model by using simulated data.

How does a neural network learn?

The neural network is modeled loosely on the human brain. The network architecture has input, hidden, and output layers with a number of “neurons.” The neurons are connected between the layers, and random weights and biases are assigned to these connections to set their “importance.”

During training, the network processes input data (simulated and experimental XRR patterns) and predicts the output (possible error) using the initial weights and biases.

Then, the prediction is compared

to the ground truth. Depending on how close the output is to the ground truth, a “reward” or “penalty” is propagated through the network as “feedback.” By repeating this process, the network refines the weights and biases of the connections, which is equivalent to “learning” the relationship between the input and output.

Example 1

The simulation (blue line) is based on a model with two layers on a substrate. It does not reproduce the experimental profile (red line) well. The AI-assist model suggested the thickness of the first and second layers are reversed.

Example 2

The simulation (blue line) is based on a model with a superlattice on a substrate. It does not reproduce the experimental profile (red line) well. The number of fringes between the superlattice peaks does not match between the simulation and the experiment. The AI-assist model suggested the number of the superlattice period is incorrect.

Performance

Seven and nine types of suggestions are available for 1-2 layer models and superlattice models, respect-tively. The suggestion has been correct nine out of ten times in the cases tested so far.

Example 3

The simulation (blue line) is based on a model with a superlattice on a substrate. It does not reproduce the experimental profile (red line) well. The super-lattice peaks stay narrow in the simulation, while the experimental data shows a broadening of the same peaks. The AI-assist model suggested the thickness (period) of the superlattice is not uniform.

Example 4

The simulation (blue line) is based on a model with two layers on a substrate. It does not reproduce the experimental profile (red line) well. The AI-assist model suggested a thin layer at the top surface is missing.

Adding the top surface layer to the model significantly improved the XRR fitting.

Explore the new AI functionality available.

IN THE NEWS

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WEBINARS

Rigaku Webinar Series: Thermal Analysis Technical Seminar

This webinar is a beginner's course.

The presentation will focus on the basic principles of thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and the different modes that are available based on sample shape and measurement objective. During the presentation, we will also highlight applications and show some videos on changing attachments.

Different types of thermobalances and the advantage of a horizontal differential TG type.

It will also include the important factors and precautionary measured when performing STA measurements.

Speaker：

Jing Sun（ Application Laboratories, Product Division ）

Dates/times

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 15:00 in Japan Standard

We will be holding a Rigaku School for Practical Crystallography on basic topics in crystallography from January 15-19 and 22-26, 2024 from 0900-1030 CST.

The majority of the time will be spent on small molecule crystallography. This is a great opportunity for people interested in crystallography to gain a basic foundation of single crystal analysis from a practical point of view.

We also recognize that some students may not be able to join the live lectures by Zoom. We will make recordings of the lessons available for download shortly after the lectures so that students can keep up with the School and take the exam in the same manner as those who attended the live lectures. However, in order to take the exam and receive a certificate of achievement, you will need to register for the School at the link above.

We hope that you both enjoy and gain something from this School and look forward to meeting you, virtually.

Visit this link to learn more about the program and lecturers.

Date/time

January 15, 2024 - January 26, 2024 at 9 AM | CST

PAIR DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION (PDF) ANALYSIS FOR EVERYDAY BATTERY ANALYSIS

Did you know in operando measurements of the X-ray scattering Pair Distribution Function (PDF) can help you see the changes in the local order/disorder within cathode and anode materials?

In the charge/discharge cycling of lithium-ion batteries (and other novel battery technologies), there is a continuous buildup of local disorder in the cathode and anode materials driven by the Li-ion mobility that will eventually contribute to battery failure and reduced operational lifetime.

Characterization of the nature and extent of this local disorder can lead to predictive insights into battery failure mechanisms.

In operando measurements of the X-ray scattering PDF can allow direct modeling of the changes in the local order/disorder within the cathode and anode material as well as for solid electrolytes if used.

In the webinar, we will investigate how best to collect in operando PDF data and discuss the optimum data processing approaches to give meaningful results. In particular, the use of Reverse Monte Carlo techniques to give physical representations of the locally disordered structure will be presented.

Date/time

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 13:00 CST

FEATURED APPLICATION NOTES

Analysis of Lead in Gasoline by ASTM D5059 Bi IS Method

Applied Rigaku Technologies

Tetraethyl lead is an anti-knock agent added to gasoline, or petrol. Lead is a toxic metal that interferes with anti-pollution devices and contributes to lead poisoning. This application note details the performance for the measurement of lead (Pb) in gasoline as per ASTM D5059 using the Bi internal standard method Part C (ultra-low lead for MoGas, motor gasoline) and Part A (high Pb for AvGas, aviation gasoline).
Read More >

Fast Mineralogical Analysis in Blended Cements with Rigaku’s MiniFlex XpC

Rigaku Europe SE

To address environmental concerns, traditional Portland cements are being replaced by blended cements with additives such as fly ash. Rigaku's MiniFlex XpC, designed for cement analysis, offers a fast and reliable solution. Its compact design allows for easy integration into automated laboratories. The EasyX software enables rapid analysis of mineralogical phases in less than three minutes. This application note showcases the MiniFlex XpC's efficiency in quality and process control of blended cements in industrial environments, highlighting its role in reducing CO2 emissions and improving sustainability.

MiniFlex XpC for Clinker Application

Rigaku Europe SE

The MiniFlex XpC is Rigaku's latest X-ray diffraction (XRD) instrument for the cement industry, offering a compact design with the performance of a floor-standing instrument. It features a small goniometer radius, an 800 W X-ray tube and a high-speed 1D detector for accurate results. The MiniFlex XpC is suitable for automated laboratory environments, offering an intuitive touch interface and seamless integration.

Rigaku's SmartLab Studio II software suite, which includes Rietveld refinement, enables comprehensive measurement and analysis of cement materials. The EasyX software provides a fast three-step process for phase quantification. It also offers statistical information on sample measurements. The MiniFlex XpC is ideal for fast and reliable analysis of cement materials in high-precision environments with minimal infrastructure requirements. It supports both semi- and fully automated setups.

PODCASTS

The Battery Lab is a podcast empowering the researchers powering the future. Every episode features insights from the industry experts, leading academics and cutting-edge research advancing batteries — and society — to the next level of safety and efficiency. From raw materials to analysis to state-of-the-art designs, if you care about fueling the future, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Battery Lab!

Listen to New Episodes >

The Pharma Lab Show is a podcast exploring the technologies, analysis, and innovation that goes into bringing the pharmaceuticals that allow humanity to live longer, fuller, healthier lives.

Each episode features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share how they are working tirelessly to bring these life-changing products into the world.

Listen to New Episodes >

Understanding Semiconductors: Modern Metrology from Lab to Fab, is a podcast for engineering leaders in characterization, metrology, process, and analytics, looking for discussion around semiconductor metrology challenges. Each episode will feature a conversation with technology experts about problems facing the semiconductor metrology industry.

Listen to New Episodes >

The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain—beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more.

Listen to New Episodes >

Nurturing Resilience: Breaking Free from Victim Mentality

It's okay to not feel okay.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, a Clinical Psychologist and the author of Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope and Resisting Drug Addiction, as well as her new book, Aftershock: How Past Events Shake Up Your Life Today.

Dr. Utter specializes in individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Her experiences, dating back to her own childhood, provide unique insight into the nature of addiction, and have given her the tools to offer solutions to those addicted, as well as those who love them.

Listen Now >

Faith, Community and Collaboration in the Fight Against Substance Addiction with TJ Ward of Project Opioid

U.S. DEA seizures reveal a chilling reality - 60% of the pills taken off the streets pack a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Our special guest, TJ Ward, a man of faith and a visionary in the fight against substance use disorder, shares his powerful insights and experiences. TJ is the current Director of Advocacy at Project Opioid North Florida. Project Opioid North Florida is part of a statewide initiative funded by the Florida Blue Foundation to drastically reduce the number of opioid-related fatalities in our communities by bringing together key leaders to address the crisis.

We discuss the role of faith in recovery, the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction, and the need for collaboration and outreach to vulnerable communities. We explore the impact of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and society as a whole, while also discussing potential solutions, such as education, policy change, and innovative treatment approaches.

Listen Now >

Operation Fast and Furious: Arming Mexican Cartels with U.S. Weapons with Pete Forcelli

Weapons are hitting the streets and killing Americans. They're fueling cartel and domestic drug trafficking violence. We have layers of complex problems that are all surrounded by policy decisions, which seem to be enabling criminal activity.

In this episode, Peter Forcelli, retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) executive and author of The Deadly Path, sheds light on the world of firearms trafficking. We explore the stark reality of crime-ridden parks in New York City housing projects, where children live in fear and are locked inside their homes for safety. But it doesn't end there, Pete takes us to the heart of the matter - the prosecution, or lack thereof, of gun crimes.

We uncover the startling truth behind ATF. Operation Fast and Furious, a whistleblower's account that reveals a pattern of allowing firearms to flow into Mexico, leading to a staggering number of guns in the wrong hands. And as we discuss the impact of this operation and its consequences, we also touch on the current crisis of fentanyl and the arming of Mexican cartels with U.S. military spec weapons. This episode will leave you questioning the state of our justice system and the policies that guide it.

Listen Now >

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