Upgrade Your Existing SEM or TEM Without Starting Over
Replace an aging detector, switch to Iridium Ultra software, or add SEM-XRF capability to a system you already own. Most upgrades work with your existing SEM or TEM chamber, so you keep the hardware you have and add only what you need.
Three Ways to Upgrade
Most labs do not need to replace an entire system to get better performance. IXRF sells detectors, electronics, software, and X-ray sources as standalone upgrades compatible with most major SEM and TEM brands, so you can improve the part of your setup that is actually holding you back.
Detector and Electronics Upgrade
Replace an aging Si(Li) or older SDD with a modern, electronically cooled detector and the Model 550i digital pulse processor, for higher count rates and better energy resolution.
Software Upgrade
Switch to Iridium Ultra without replacing your detector. The same all-inclusive software suite runs on most existing SDD and electronics platforms.
Add SEM-XRF
Add the Xb or ƒX X-ray source to an existing SEM/EDS system for full elemental coverage from sodium through uranium, without replacing the base EDS system.
Detector Upgrade
What a Detector Upgrade Changes
An older Si(Li) detector requires liquid nitrogen cooling and cannot keep pace with a modern SDD at high count rates. Upgrading to an IXRF SDD, paired with the Model 550i digital pulse processor, removes the cryogen entirely and improves resolution across every sensor area.
Explore Each Upgrade Path
SDD Detectors
Replacement or upgrade detectors for SEM or TEM.
EDS Software
Iridium Ultra. Acquisition, quant, mapping, and phase classification.
SEM/MicroXRF
Adds the Xb or ƒX X-ray source for full elemental coverage.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Yes. Depending on your existing configuration, IXRF can replace or upgrade the detector while retaining compatible components of your current EDS system. Options include upgrading older Si(Li) detectors to modern, electronically cooled SDD technology.
Potentially quite a lot. If your existing detector is still performing well, IXRF can replace the electronics, computer, and software while retaining the detector. The best approach depends on the age, condition, and compatibility of each component.
Many existing electron microscopes can be upgraded. Compatibility depends on the microscope configuration, detector ports, chamber geometry, existing detector and electronics, computer interfaces, and the type of upgrade being considered. IXRF can review your system before recommending a configuration.
Yes. A functioning SEM can often be modernized even when its original EDS system is obsolete or no longer supported. IXRF can provide new SDD detectors, digital electronics, computers, and Iridium Ultra software without requiring replacement of the microscope itself.
Yes, in many cases. IXRF electronics are designed to interface with existing EDS detectors, allowing a functioning detector to be retained while the electronics, computer, and analytical software are modernized.
Yes. Depending on your existing system, upgrades can be structured around the components that need modernization most—such as the detector, digital pulse-processing electronics, computer, or Iridium Ultra software—rather than replacing everything at once.
Performance improvements depend on what is upgraded, but can include faster X-ray processing, higher mapping throughput, improved light-element performance, modern automation, quantitative mapping, and more advanced data-analysis capabilities.
Downtime depends on the microscope, existing hardware, and scope of the upgrade. IXRF evaluates the installation requirements in advance so detector, electronics, computer, and software work can be planned to minimize disruption to the laboratory.
Eligible upgrades can include Iridium Ultra for spectrum acquisition, quantification, mapping, automation, and advanced analysis. Training can also be provided at your laboratory, at IXRF in Austin, or virtually, depending on your requirements and upgrade package.
Not necessarily. The installation approach depends on the microscope and upgrade scope, and IXRF provides both onsite and remote technical support. The appropriate installation plan can be determined after reviewing your existing system.
Start with the microscope manufacturer and model, existing EDS detector and electronics, current computer/software configuration, available detector ports, and the performance improvements you want to achieve. Photos of the microscope, detector installation, and system labels can also help IXRF determine the appropriate upgrade path.
Tell Us What You Are Working With
Tell us your current SEM or TEM, detector, and software, and we will recommend the upgrade path that fits.