Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice University Purchases Rigaku SmartLab®
The Woodlands, TX — July 20, 2006. Rigaku Americas Corporation is pleased to announce that the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice University has purchased a Rigaku SmartLab automatic X-Ray diffractometer. Specified with a full compliment of advanced X-ray optics including Rigaku's patented Cross Beam Optical (CBO) technology, applications for the instrument include powder diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), glancing incidence XRD, and in-plane diffraction for the measurement of powders, thin films, and a wide range of nano-materials in bulk and solution.
Winner
of the prestigious 2006 R&D 100
Award, the Rigaku SmartLab is the first X-ray diffractometer to offer the
full range of X-ray diffraction measurements in one fully automated tool
suitable for use by the non-specialist. The device incorporates unique
intelligent software and patented optics that allows users, without any special
expertise, to perform a variety of advanced measurements critical to advanced
materials research: from X-ray diffraction (XRD) to X-ray reflectivity (XRR) to
small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and more. The design goal was to create an
instrument that provides more detailed materials research information to a
broader array of researchers while reducing instrumentation and personnel
related bottlenecks. This advance serves both to more rapidly advance research
and to enable faster commercialization of technology.
About the Smalley Institute
The Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice University is a university-funded organization devoted to nurture science and technology at the nanometer scale. It is equally devoted to the education of future scientist and engineers. Their mission is to provide a venue where researchers from all disciplines of science and engineering can come together to share ideas and discuss their views and prospects of nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology. The institute provides administrative support to the faculty and to joint projects and programs, supports joint research initiatives, performs fund-raising, sponsors seminars and conferences, encourages entrepreneurism, encourages collaborations both internally and externally, connects to external organizations and supports educational initiatives from Kindergarten to lifelong learning. The institute's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, one of six inaugural National Science Foundation-supported nano centers, recently received a five-year renewal of its funding.
About Rigaku
Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on life sciences and general purpose analytical instrumentation. With hundreds of major innovations to its credit, Rigaku and its subsidiary companies are world leaders in the fields of small molecule and protein crystallography, X-ray spectrometry and diffraction, X-ray optics, as well as semiconductor metrology. Rigaku employs over 1,100 people in the manufacture and support of its analytical equipment. Its products are in use in more than 70 countries - supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial community.
For further information, contact:
Thomas F. McNulty
Director, Materials Science SBU
Rigaku Americas Corporation
tel: 281-362-2300 x207
eMail: tom.mcnulty@rigaku.com