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.

At pharmaceutical production sites, all materials received must be checked to ensure that there is no error in them. By using a handheld Raman spectrometer, manufacturers can measure the contents of materials without removing them from the polyethylene containers and glass bottles in which they are received, thereby avoiding concerns about contamination.

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.

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.

The machines we depend on in our daily lives use large numbers of electronic components. Semiconductors,magnetic bodies and luminescent materials are representative examples. When these materials are crystalline in nature, their structure can be elucidated in detail using single crystal structural analysis,which can tell us which alignments of crystals affect which properties of materials. This information plays a valuable role in the design and manufacture of new electronic components.

The RoHS Directive restricts the use of mercury in electronic and electrical equipment. Mercury from the eletronics can be extracted and measured in MA series through through thermal decomposition, gold amalgamation and CVAAS measurement.

Expansive suite of tools and applications for in-fab and near-fab support of semiconductor manufacturing processes. X-ray topography imaging system is used for non-destructive dislocation imaging. Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometers are widely used to measure surface contamination on substrates.

Broad capability to analyze thickness, composition, and crystalline quality of metal, dielectric, and semiconductor thin films used in leading edge semiconductor manufacturing. X-ray reflectivity (XRR) enables accurate thickness measurements for ultrathin films, including films opaque to traditional optical measurements. X-ray fluorescence(XRF) allows accurate measurement of film composition on blanket films and patterned wafers, with configurations and sources customizable to specific elements of interest. High resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) provides specialized metrology for epitaxial films, with robust measurement of thickness, composition, and strain for thin films and multilayers.
Grazing Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GI-SAXS) provides advanced morphological characterization for complex structures in cutting-edge logic and memory devices. Transmission Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (T-SAXS) offers detailed, non-destructive evaluation of high aspect ratio holes and trenches found in vertical memory devices.

Adapts robust, established film characterization techniques for advanced photomask metrology. X-ray reflectivity (XRR) provide robust analysis and quality control for multilayer reflectors underpinning EUV masks. Total X-ray reflectance fluorescence (TXRF) enables non-destructive analysis of trace contaminants on masks and mask blanks.

Versatile characterization of thickness, composition, and grain size for interconnect metals, including liners and seed layers. S uitable for routine tool monitoring and inline process control. A pplications extend to complex, modern interconnect schemes such as through-silicon via and buried power rail architectures.

Hybrid X-ray fluorescence/optical microscopy platform enables characterization of bump shape, thickeness, and composition with micron-scale spatial resolution. Extendable to high accuracy /precise measurements of scale microbumps, hybrid bonding integration schemes.

We are developing an inline inspection system that utilizes X-ray imaging technology to automatically detect defects in micro bumps and through-silicon vias (TSVs) used in advanced packaging.

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.

Detailed examination of the structure of materials is vital for improving the performance of products such as lithium-ion batteries and creating new materials. B y e xamining materials at the molecular level through a method called single crystal structure analysis, it is possible to understand the qualities and workings of a material. This approach enables us to learn how batteries work and why their materials are so electrically conductive. In the field of solid-state batteries, the single crystal structure analysis is used to develop innovative materials and technologies day by day.

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.

One technology that is widely used to examine the internal structure of metal materials is X-ray analysis. Data obtained from single crystal structural analysis played a vital role in a project to study "quasicrystals", materials with special properties, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011. These data are used alongside observational results from electron microscopes, which can detect extraordinarily fine details, providing crucial aid to understanding the detailed structure of quasicrystals.

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.

One of the most common anthropogenic sources of mercury is the combustion of fossil fuels. Measuring and understanding the concentration of mercury in the fuel and coal, can help to reduce mercury emissions from factories and facilities.

Many minerals are found in crystalline form. Using single crystal structural analysis, researchers can examine the three-dimensional s tructure of minerals, examining how the atoms and molecules are aligned, for example. Recently this technique has been applied in research on "hokkaidoite", a mineral selected as a natural monument by the Japanese government, to analyze its fine structure.

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.

Inorganic mercury contained in rivers and seawater is converted to methylmercury by microorganisms in the environment and taken up by fish and shellfish through the food chain. It is then taken up by humans who eat it. Measuring and understanding the concentration of mercury in water source and food is one way to safeguard human's health from mercury poisoning.

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.