Overview
YAXX uses state-of-the-art Olympus “Vanta” portable XRF (pXRF) instruments. The VMR model has a Rh anode in a 4-W X-ray tube, which is capable of voltages up to 50 kV. When operated in the “GeoChem” or “GeoChem REE” mode, the X-ray tube’s current and voltage vary in combination with built-in beam filters to better fluoresce the heavier and lighter parts of the periodic table. The characteristic X-rays are measured using a large-area silicon drift detector and Olympus’ new Axon technology, that is, ultra-low-noise signal-processing electronics that allow high count rates (>100,000 counts/sec) with excellent spectrum resolution (<140 eV). High count rates correspond to better repeatability, lower uncertainties, and shorter measurement times. This model has a built-in GPS receiver to automatically geo-tag measurements in the field, and a built-in barometer corrects for altitude and air density, which is particularly important when measuring light elements near sea level in New Haven or at a Peruvian archaeological site.
Vanta VMR (M-Series) Specifications
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 8.3 x 28.9 x 24.2 cm (3.25 x 11.4 x 9.5 in.) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.70 kg with battery, 1.48 kg without battery |
| Excitation Source | 4-Watt X-ray tube with Rh anode: 8-50 kV |
| Primary Beam Filtration | Built-in 8-position auto-selected filter wheel |
| Detector | Large-area (20-mm2) silicon drift detector (SDD) |
| Power | Removable 14.4 V Li-Ion battery or 18 V power transformer 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 70 W max |
| Display | 800 x 480 LCD touch-screen with gesture control |
| Operating Environment | Temperature: -10 °C to 50 °C Humidity: 10% to 90% relative humidity |
| Drop Test | Military Standard 810-G 4-foot (1.3 M) drop test |
| IP Rating | IP64: dust tight and protected against water spray |
| Pressure Correction | Built-in barometer for automatic altitude correction |
| GPS | Embedded GPS/GLONASS receiver |
| Operating System | Quad-core processor running Linux |
| Data Storage | 4 GB embedded storage plus micro SD slot |
| USB | Two USB 2.0 type A host ports One USB 2.0 type mini-B port |
| Wireless LAN | Supports 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) via USB adapter |
| Bluetooth | Supports Bluetooth® via USB adapter |
| Aiming Camera | Full VGA CMOS camera |
| Panorama Camera | 5-megapixel CMOS camera with autofocus |
| Beam DIAMETER | 8 mm or 3 mm with built-in beam collimator |
| sectral resolution | < 140 eV at > 100,000 counts per second (cps) |