Almelo, The Netherlands, July 8 2011 – PANalytical, the world leading supplier of analytical instrumentation and software for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), has announced that Empyrean, its newly designed X-ray diffractometer, has been recognized as a 2011 R&D 100 award winner. In their 49th year the R&D 100 awards are widely recognized as the ‘Oscars of Innovation’ identifying and celebrating the top high technology products of the year.

Awarded under the, ‘winning technology’ category, Empyrean has the unique ability to measure all sample types – from powders to thin films, from nanomaterials to solid objects – on a single instrument. Truly unique to Empyrean is the system’s ability to see inside solid objects without having to cut them up. Using computed tomography (CT) analysis, it becomes possible to determine the area of interest for subsequent X-ray diffraction analysis, or check the presence of pores or inclusions inside the object.

“We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Jan van Rijn, General Manager X-Ray Systems at PANalytical. “It is gratifying to be recognized for our commitment to developing new generation platforms, products and solutions that enable innovation within multiple industries, helping them to survive and thrive amidst today’s challenges.”

Empyrean is PANalytical’s answer to the challenge of modern materials research. Coupled with a comprehensive software suite, Empyrean supports multiple users, unattended and remote operations, automatic data collection and analysis reporting. Today’s research themes are nanomaterials, life sciences and renewable energy; tomorrow science may move in a different direction. The lifetime of PANalytical diffractometer stretches beyond the horizon of a single research program. For many scientists, the ability to accommodate change is a unique ‘must have’ feature when deciding to invest in an XRD system. Time to value has become increasingly important for sustainable businesses today.

The 49th annual R&D 100 Award was open to a number of industry sectors, academia and government laboratories who, despite the recent economic downturn, have continued to innovate. Winners were chosen following an extensive review by an independent judging panel and the editors of R&D Magazine. The R&D 100 Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence for industry sectors as diverse as telecommunication, high-energy physics, software, manufacturing and biotechnology. The PANalytical award for its Empyrean product references cutting-edge technology in every aspect.

About PANalytical

PANalytical is the world’s leading supplier of analytical instrumentation and software for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), with more than half a century of experience. The materials characterization equipment is used for scientific research and development, for industrial process control applications and for semiconductor metrology.

PANalytical, founded in 1948 as part of Philips, employs around 1000 people worldwide. Its headquarters are in Almelo, the Netherlands. Fully equipped application laboratories are established in Japan, China, the USA, and the Netherlands. PANalytical’s research activities are based in Almelo (NL) and on the campus of the University of Sussex in Brighton (UK). Supply and competence centers are located on two sites in the Netherlands: Almelo (development and production of X-ray instruments) and Eindhoven (development and production of X-ray tubes). A sales and service network in more than 60 countries ensures unrivalled levels of customer support.

Visit our website at www.panalytical.com for more information about our activities

PANalytical is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company.