In bulk drugs used to produce pharmaceuticals, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can cause changes in crystalline polymorphism, even if the composition remains unchanged. Because characteristics such as solubility and rate of absorption differ for each crystalline polymorphism, crystalline polymorphisms have to be differentiated and quantified when developing and manufacturing pharmaceuticals. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry can be used to determine the type of crystalline structure to which a specimen belongs.

To ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals ingested by patients, elements that are impurities in the pharmaceuticals must be controlled. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry plays a role in controlling the elements in impurities.

The speed with which drugs take effect (immediate effectivity/delayed effectivity) and the duration of effect (sustained release) are determined in the drug formulation and design phases. XCT is mainly used to inspect and manage internal structure, searching for cracks inside granules, tablets and capsules (“capping”), gaps, non-uniformity of coating, separation and phase changes. Eliminating these defects maximizes the effectiveness of drugs and prevents adverse effects.

Thermal analyzers measure changes in pharmaceuticals from application of heat, such as changes in weight and energy and emission of gases. They are useful in applications such as comparing quantities of a main ingredient in a series of pharmaceuticals and surveying the stable shapes of pharmaceuticals.

Use of X-ray analysis to examine the condition and quality of crystals in semiconductors enables improvement of semiconductor quality and production methods.

In the semiconductor manufacturing process, the quantity deposited in each layer of layer deposition must be carefully managed to obtain the desired material characteristics. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) offers exceptional resolution, enabling evaluation of deposition of a wide range of semiconductor materials.

Contamination of wafers in the semiconductor manufacturing process is a factor in the reduction of yield. The Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Series enables high-speed screening for contamination of wafer surfaces.

Thermal analyzers are used to evaluate the thermal characteristics (melting point, rate of expansion, glass transition) of epoxy resins, ceramics and lead-free solders used in electronic circuit boards. They provide vital feedback on selection and compounding of materials and production processes.

When electronic products fail, the cause of the failure must be isolated, and for this the product must normally be finely taken apart and sectioned. With XCT, however, these causes can be identified in a non-destructive manner, providing valuable feedback to prevent recurrence of the failure. Growing numbers of manufacturers are incorporating XCT into manufacturing processes for pass/failure judgment of products.

The use of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury in electronic devices is subject to restrictions, requiring confirmation through receiving inspection at production sites. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry enables these hazardous substances to be detected easily and non-destructively.

Demand for lithium-ion batteries to power mobile devices and EVs is rising. Extending the working life of lithium-ion batteries requires direct observation of battery status during charging and discharging. X-ray analysis makes it possible to confirm changes during charging and discharging without opening the battery, enabling more accurate analyisis.

Managing the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other batteries requires control of batteries’ composition, particularly of impurities. Using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry makes examination of elements quick and simple.

LIBs, which are currently our mainstay batteries, mainly consist of a wrapped layered structure of positive electrodes, negative electrodes and separators. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is used to inspect these products to ensure that there are no wrapping errors (slippage of wrapped layers, etc.) or impurities in the materials. These inspections are conducted with utmost care, as wrapping errors and impurities can result in damage to the batteries or, at worst, major accidents such as explosion and burning of the batteries.

Recycling of batteries has become especially active in recent years, to ensure effective use of precious resources. Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry equipment enables on-the-spot inspection of the elements contained in recycled products.

Examining the chemical composition of unearthed artifacts can provide the chemical grounds for forming hypotheses on how items were made and reexamining questions of where items were produced.

XCT can be used to confirm the contents of items without damaging them, enabling viewing of the interior of precious sites dating back centuries and even millennia. Items that can never be restored once broken can be examined with peace of mind. This technology can determine not only what a thing is but also the extent of its deterioration.

By examining the elements in a work of art, the sources of materials can be discerned, and by extension trade routes identified. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry permits examination of precious artworks without damaging them.

By analyzing samples retrieved from the asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa 2 probe using thermal analyzers, scientists can learn the types of gas the asteroid emits and the temperatures and quantities at which it emits them. These measurement results are valuable in inquiring into the origins of the Earth and the solar system.

Analysis of the elements in rocks and minerals is essential in studying the evolution of planets and the structure of the Earth.In recent years, Rigaku has conducted element analysis on samples retrieved by the probe Hayabusa 2 from the asteroid Ryugu. Rigaku has identified 20 elements in these samples, including oxygen and carbon.

Rigaku has analyzed granules retrieved from Bennu, a type-B asteroid, by the NASA probe Osiris Rex. This analysis is expected to lead to discoveries about the history of Bennu and about similarities and differences between Bennu and the asteroid Ryugu.

Measuring with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry enables non-destructive evaluation of characteristics of polymer film such as mechanical strength and transparency.

Thermal analyzers can be used to survey the thermal characteristics (melting point, rate of expansion) of polymers and analyze their gas emissions. They play a role in determining appropriate conditions for use of polymers and methods for their disposal.

Accurately assessing characteristics of cement such as curing time and strength requires analysis of high precision and accuracy. Quantitative analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is finding increasing favor in cement research and quality control for its simplicity and quick results.

The composition of ceramics is stringently controlled to ensure that their characteristics match their intended applications. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is used in quality control as it enables solids to be analyzed as they are.

Ceramic parts are fired at extremely high temperatures. High-quality ceramics require binders that burn off efficiently during firing. Thermal analyzers play a role in simulating complex manufacturing processes.

When developing metal-based materials, obtaining metal-based materials that deliver the target characteristics requires evaluation under a wide range of temperatures and atmospheric conditions. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry enables crystal phase changes to be observed in detail during heating under special atmospheres such as hydrogen, ammonia and steam.

Control of electroplating deposition and metal composition is vital in preserving product functionality. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is widely used in metal manufacturing industries for its ability to measure specimens as they are.

Metal recycling has grown increasingly active in recent years as companies strive to make effective use of limited resources. Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices can be used to inspect the elements in recycled products on the spot.

Thermal analyzers can be used to survey the thermal characteristics of metals including transformation points, melting points and rates of expansion. Metals are used in a wide range of environments, so information on their thermal characteristics is vital for selecting the right metals for a particular application or use environment.

In research on the evolution of planets and the structure of the Earth, the composition and molecular structure of rocks and minerals are routinely analyzed. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, enables examination of the components of mineral facies and their composition.

Cement made from minerals requires precise changes in weight in order to examine quality. In addition to thermal characteristics obtained using TG-DTA, when combined with GCMS, thermal analysis can be used to measure CO2 volumes, which are vital for environmental measures.

The flavor and texture of butter change dramatically with temperature. Accordingly, producers pay close attention to the crystallization of fats and oils to maintain favorable product quality. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) enable surveying of characteristics of butter such as crystalline structure and melting point.

Thermal analyzers measure foods in many ways, helping to determine the melting point of chocolate and the softness of chewing gum, for example. They also play a role in evaluating features such as ideal storage conditions and the “melt-in-the-mouth” feeling of foods.

Expressing flavor, texture and so on in numbers is no simple matter. XCT expresses numerically such features as content by percentage, homogeneity and the number and size of bubbles, delivering good taste experience through high-level quality control.

The handheld Raman spectrometer is used in the security field, including law enforcement, customs and defense, to guard against the threat of terrorism that is growing worldwide. Chemical weapons, explosives and their precursors can be detected while still in their containers, enabling on-the-spot threat assessment.

Handheld Raman spectrometers are used in fields such as customs and drug interdiction to identify stimulants, narcotics and other illegal drugs. These devices can detect substances through their containers in a non-destructive manner, allaying concerns about destroying evidence.