SciAps, Inc., a Boston-based company specializing in handheld analytical instrumentation, is pleased to introduce their new generation SciAps Z-901 handheld LIBS analyzer. Similar to their new XRF platform, the Z-901 features an all-new ergonomic design, a 0.5 lb. weight reduction down to about 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg), improved heat dissipation, and completely updated software and processing electronics.

The Z-901 also leads the way featuring the first-ever “dual burn” technology. Users can test with the 901 either using an “air burn” method or using argon-purge. Air-burn eliminates the need for argon canisters and offers rapid material sorting and identification. Users can also insert a small argon canister, switch to the “argon purge” app and calibration, and obtain the higher precision and improved limits of detection that have been well-established in LIBS and spark OES technologies.

With a whole new form factor, the new LIBS units are better balanced, narrower, with a tapered snout for easier access to welds and hard-to-reach places, and feature a rear-facing display that provides easy viewing. The analyzer is much faster than anything on the market, with initial results displaying in one second. The Z-901 is available for alloy, mining exploration and geochemistry, forensics and other analytical applications. It also comes with desktop/tablet software allowing users to add elements and generate custom calibrations.

“We’ve taken all the knowledge we’ve learned about LIBS technology over the past five years and completely updated the unit – making it lighter and faster with a great new user interface. And now we’re offering this revolutionary dual-burn option that nobody else has,” says Don Sackett, CEO and co-founder of SciAps, Inc.

“With the pandemic-driven shutdowns and travel restrictions, 2020 was a tough year. But rather than cutting our budget, we invested in technology so that when things opened up again, we’d have something great to offer our customers. We’re really excited to launch the new family of LIBS products,” Sackett says.

SciAps is a rapidly growing company specializing in handheld analytical instruments. State-of-the-art handheld LIBS analyzers for alloys address carbon in steels and stainless, environmental, mining and general analytical applications, specifically those that require measurement of low atomic number elements not measurable by handheld XRF. Complementing the new LIBS analyzers is the new SciAps XRF series featuring the X-550, the smallest, lightest weight and highest performing handheld XRF ever created.