Almelo, The Netherlands 2/8/17—PANalytical, part of Spectris’ Material Analysis division, has purchased Italian firm Pixirad, a high-resolution x-ray detector developer and distributor. Pixirad’s detectors are currently part of PANalytical’s Empyrean XRD instrument. PANalytical stated that the purchase will allow it to expand the range of applications for its instruments.

Founded in 2012, Pixirad is a spin-off of the Instituto Nationale di Fisica Nucleare. Based on Chromatic Photon Counting technology, Pixirad’s technology enables two-color images from a single exposure. According to the company, it produces optimal contrast and spatial resolution, and a high frame rate. Applications under development by Pixirad include digital mammography.