Summary

The demands placed on laboratory diffractometers are continuously increasing as technological progress advances. Today, research institutes expect laboratory experiments to deliver results that were previously achievable only at synchrotron facilities. With the combination of the STADIVARI diffractometer and the new Excillum MetalJet F X-ray source, a system is now available that once again pushes the limits of what is measurable in the laboratory sector.

The Excillum MetalJet F represents the latest generation of X-ray sources with a liquid-metal anode. It provides significantly higher intensity and extended maintenance intervals compared to its predecessor, the Excillum MetalJet D2+. In combination with the precise STADIVARI platform, the result is a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly system that meets the highest standards of modern crystallographic research.

Initial experiments have impressively demonstrated the technological progress achieved compared to the previous Excillum MetalJet D2+. The overall system enables shorter measurement times, improved data quality, and expands the analytical capabilities available in laboratory X-ray diffraction – particularly for research institutes that depend on the highest possible primary beam intensities.

Introduction – Motivation and Background

The Excillum MetalJet F uses a liquid alloy based on gallium (Ga K-α, 1.34 Å) and/or indium (In K-α, 0.51 Å) as anode material and delivers significantly higher brilliance and intensity than conventional solid-anode X-ray sources. Research institutes thus benefit from performance levels that were previously attainable only at large-scale research facilities.

The combination of the STADIVARI diffractometer and the Excillum MetalJet F opens new possibilities for high-precision analyses under standard laboratory conditions. This technological advancement marks a new milestone in laboratory X-ray technology and raises the performance level significantly toward that of synchrotron sources.

Continuous improvements in source stability, beam intensity, and detector technology now allow complex crystal structures to be determined with much higher resolution and precision – all within a laboratory environment.

Together, the STADIVARI and Excillum MetalJet F create a new performance dimension in X-ray diffraction, enabling research institutes to address challenging structural and materials science problems without requiring access to large-scale research facilities.

System Integration and Design

The integration of the Excillum MetalJet F X-ray source into the STADIVARI diffractometer is based on a precise, platform-based system architecture designed for maximum beam quality, stability, user convenience, and serviceability. The platform supports the use of up to two independent STADIVARI goniometers, allowing for one extraordinarily performing diffractometer or even parallel operation of different configurations or sample environments, which greatly enhances efficiency and flexibility in laboratory workflows.

Central to the integration is the STADIVARI goniometer, designed for high precision to accommodate the exceptionally small spot size of the MetalJet F source. Even when used with the latest generation of large-format detectors, such as the Dectris EIGER2 4M and PILATUS4 1M, its precision remains uncompromised. By individually adapting the Montel optics, the highly intense, strongly focused beam from the MetalJet F is efficiently directed onto the sample position (Figure 2, experimental setup during testing). Multiple optics configurations can be implemented within a single system and exchanged when needed, allowing precise adjustment of the beam profile to various applications.

Particular attention has been paid to the service-friendly mechanical coupling of the source to the diffractometer system. The MetalJet F operates with a liquid-metal anode whose circulation is driven by a novel electromagnetic pumping system without moving mechanical components. This ensures highly stable and low-maintenance operation, contributing significantly to longer system lifetime, reduced maintenance intervals, and minimized vibration effects.

Key components have been further developed compared to the previous generation. Critical elements such as heated X-ray exit windows have been completely eliminated. Additionally, the Plug & Go cathode exchange system simplifies maintenance by removing the need for manual mechanical alignment. These design improvements result in enhanced serviceability, reduced downtime, and greater system availability.

The control of the MetalJet F is fully integrated into the STADIVARI software interface, allowing automated calibration of the electron beam. This enables precise and reproducible optimization of the beam focus and efficient adaptation of operating parameters to different measurement conditions. In combination with flexible data collection strategies, this results in an intuitive and highly capable user experience.

Performance and Benefits

The combination of the STADIVARI diffractometer and the Excillum MetalJet F X-ray source delivers a substantial performance increase in nearly all relevant
parameters of crystallographic analysis. The MetalJet F generates an exceptionally brilliant and intense beam via a configurable electron beam striking a liquid-metal
anode, far surpassing the output of conventional sealed-tube sources. The ability to tune beam parameters enables shorter exposure times, and higher data quality,
even for very small or weakly scattering crystals.

Comparative measurements with the Excillum MetalJet D2+ demonstrate that the MetalJet F represents a significant advance in terms of intensity. Optimizations in
both the pumping system and the electron beam have increased the overall X-ray flux by approximately a factor of three, while simultaneously improving long-term
stability. This directly enhances the measurable signal from weakly scattering samples and substantially reduces total data collection times.

In addition, the system provides clear advantages in terms of operational costs and maintenance. The improved anode and pumping technology extend maintenance intervals, and the Plug & Go cathode exchange minimizes downtime. Overall, the result is a robust, high-performance, and economically efficient system that elevates laboratory diffraction to a new technical level.

STOE draws on more than a decade of experience in integrating and operating MetalJet X-ray sources. This long-standing expertise forms the foundation of the company’s principle of providing direct contact with a dedicated application scientist, direct customer support, and rapid service response. Should assistance be required, STOE’s technical support team is always directly available.

Conclusion

With the integration of the Excillum MetalJet F X-ray source into the STADIVARI diffractometer, STOE sets a new benchmark in laboratory X-ray diffraction. The combination unites maximum beam intensity, exceptional stability, and precise mechanical design to form a complete system that significantly extends the performance boundaries of conventional laboratory instruments.

The marked increase in X-ray flux, enhanced long-term stability, and flexible beam parameterization enable structure analyses at a level previously achievable only at large-scale research facilities. At the same time, the platform-based architecture of the STADIVARI system ensures maximum compatibility, serviceability, and future readiness, making it an attractive choice for both new installations and upgrades of existing systems.

In conjunction with the proven STADIVARI platform, the Excillum MetalJet F impressively demonstrates how advanced source and detection technologies can redefine the limits of laboratory analytics. The system enables research institutes to perform highly precise and complex structure analyses with the flexibility and efficiency of a true laboratory instrument, without the logistical constraints of external facilities.

With more than ten years of experience in the integration and support of MetalJet sources, STOE combines technological excellence with practical expertise. The close connection between design, manufacturing, and customer service ensures long-term system stability and consistent performance.

The combination of STADIVARI and the Excillum MetalJet F thus establishes a new reference standard for modern laboratory X-ray diffraction—powerful, future- oriented, and uncompromisingly focused on precision and scientific progress.