Rigaku – NEX CG II+

Best bench top innovation

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INTRODUCTION
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This nomination seeks to recognize Rigaku’s NEX CG II+ as the best bench top innovation and highlights its outstanding contribution to the field of X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The new NEX CG II+ is a truly innovative energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer, making high-precision elemental analysis more accessible than ever before. This one-of-a-kind instrument represents a breakthrough in EDXRF technology with its unique indirect excitation optics and a high-power 65 kV 100 W X-ray tube.
 
Compared to other EDXRF systems, the NEX CG II+ produces higher count rates and enhances excitation for a significant boost in performance. Its high power, combined with a 3D Cartesian Geometry optical kernel, unlocks unprecedented sensitivity for trace element analysis with a simple setup and low operating costs. This configuration enables exceptionally low detection limits and excellent spectral resolution for trace peaks in applications requiring superior sensitivity. Moreover, this innovation is delivered within the framework of EDXRF, offering a practical and cost-effective alternative to more expensive or time-consuming analytical methods. 

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INDUSTRY CHALLENGE & NEED
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High sensitivity is crucial for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and environmental testing, where guidelines are strict. Ensuring your XRF system meets these standards is critical for regulatory compliance. The NEX CG II+ provides precise ultra-low and trace element analysis for pharmaceutical materials, catalysts, cosmetics, monitoring for toxic metals in aerosols on air filters, analyzing trace metals and rare earth elements, and other applications that need increased sensitivity.
 
In addition, various software options are available with NEX CG II+, including SureDI, supporting compliance with 21 CFR Part 11. This option allows organizations in regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, to meet FDA requirements confidently. The NEX CG II+ bench top is a powerful yet practical XRF solution without the complexity and expense of a larger system.

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INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
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The NEX CG II+ provides non-destructive analysis of sodium to uranium in almost any matrix, from ultra-low and trace element concentrations to high weight percent levels. It is an indirect excitation EDXRF system using secondary targets rather than tube filters. This method reduces background noise and improves detection limits. 

While similar products are available, the NEX CG II+ goes further by utilizing an exclusive 3D close-coupled Cartesian Geometry optical kernel powered by a 65 kV 100 W X-ray tube. This unique configuration, combined with high voltage and power plus a large area high-throughput silicon drift detector (SDD), enables unmatched sensitivity and precision, particularly for trace elemental analyses. 

The special arrangement of this system’s X-ray tube, secondary target, measurement sample, and detector eliminates the Bremsstrahlung background that interferes with analysis. Furthermore, monochromatic and polarized excitation from secondary targets allows for more elemental signal in the detector. 

Another detail that sets the NEX CG II+ apart is its powerful Fundamental Parameters (FP) program, resulting from decades of XRF software development at Rigaku. With RPF-SQX, standardless FP analysis can be performed for various samples without standard samples. Additionally, Rigaku’s Scattering FP method automatically estimates the concentrations of unmeasurable low atomic number elements (hydrogen to fluorine) and provides appropriate corrections.

Given at least one sample with known concentrations from a referee technique like ICP, the software allows you to quickly and easily create a Matching Library. This feature changes the analysis from semi-quant to fully quantitative, tuning your XRF to your specific analysis needs. The NEX CG II+ offers a more comprehensive solution and expands your application capabilities compared to other bench tops.

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CONCLUSION
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The NEX CG II+ is self-installed and maintained, has a small footprint, and easily integrates into any lab without costly facility modifications or ongoing operating costs. With a lower upfront investment and a simple setup, the NEX CG II+ lets you quickly optimize your workflow without compromising analytical quality. 

This bench top offers the perfect balance between performance and efficiency while remaining cost-effective. It ensures fast and reliable results for routine testing, and its intuitive operation allows users of all experience levels to obtain precise results with minimal training. Whether you are streamlining quality control, ensuring regulatory compliance, or enhancing research capabilities, the NEX CG II+ is a smart, scalable solution that grows with your needs.