Portable XRD/XRF for Cultural Heritage
Duetto-2 is a portable instrument for non-invasive in- situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Its predecessor Duetto-1, launched in 2010, was the first commercial XRD/XRF instrument designed specifically for Cultural Heritage. Based on the same general principles, Duetto-2 benefits from a decade of improvement in system and component design.
Duetto-2 can be used in the laboratory or deployed in the field (museum, archaeological site, restoration project, etc) using a variety of mounting options.
The Duetto-2 technology traces its lineage to the XRD/XRF instrument deployed on Mars in the NASA Curiosity rover. It brings unprecedented miniaturization and ruggedness to Cultural Heritage Research.
Key features
MINIATURIZATION
At just under 35 cm and 6 kg for a complete instrument, Duetto-2 is the smallest XRD instrument ... in the Solar System! This is enabled by technology developed for NASA Space exploration.
X-RAY source
A novel miniature ceramic/metal construction X-ray tube developed for Space missions is used in conjunction with an internal HVPS and proprietary control electronics.
x-ray detector
The new deep-cooling sealed vacuum X-ray CCD detector improves speed and energy resolution while reducing power.
faster analysis
The geometry is optimized to double the speed of Duetto-1.
sample imaging
Embedded color camera, LED illumination and micro-focused laser allow real-time imaging of the sample and precise positioning of the instrument.
improved versatility
Increased clearance to the sample and a variety of optional mounts broaden the application range.
intuitive software
New software offers advanced controls and data processing with an intuitive, dynamic and user-friendly graphic interface.
Low power
Requiring only 40 W of power and low voltage, Duetto-2 can operate all day using the optional battery power station.
Easy operation
XRD and XRF data are extracted from a series of CCD exposures. During an analysis the CCD X-ray detector is read every few seconds. Raw CCD data are processed in real time and XRD/XRF plots are visualized on the computer. The Duetto-2 application provides tools for preliminary analysis of the data during the acquisition.
XRF data, obtained from the exact same spot of the object as XRD, are very informative and practical in helping with the phase identification of complex samples, or confirming the nature of the phases found independently by XRD.
XRD analysis
Duetto XRD data can be analyzed with any powder XRD analysis package. If the user doesn’t already own such an application, we recommend our cloud-based application QAnalyze.com and we can offer optional 3rd party applications bundled in the system.
New software offers advanced controls and data processing with an intuitive, dynamic and user-friendly graphic interface.
2D XRD pattern and diffractogram with phase identification revealing the presence of barite in the paint.
XRF spectra of cadmium orange paint (blue) compared to pure cadmium orange pigment (red). The Ba signature in the XRF confirms the interpretation of barite in the XRD pattern..
Pigments can be usually identified in minutes.
Positioning options
Micro-positioner stage
This stage developed specifically for Duetto offers precise X,Y and Z adjustments to position the instrument exactly on the area of interest. Two tilts allow maintaining the instrument normal to the surface analyzed. Motorized versions of the stage can be offered.
Pentapod
This versatile mount combines a sturdy photographic tripod and a custom extension arm with a tilt head and additional stabilizing legs. It is used in conjunction with the micro-positioning stage.
Benchtop mount
This benchtop mount offers the ultimate stability for use of Duetto in the laboratory, in conjunction with the micro-positioning stage. It is most useful for small objects and paintings or manuscripts that can be laid flat under the instrument.
Scaffolding mount
This adjustable aluminum extrusion structure secures Duetto to a scaffolding on a restoration site. It is used in conjunction with the micro-positioning stage.
Examples of Aplications
Examples of Duetto-1 deployed on the field or a laboratory.
