PANalytical

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PANalytical is an international scientific instrumentation supplier which develops and manufactures X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence equipment for use in research and industry. PANalytical was formerly Philips Analytical, a division of Philips, prior to its sale in 2002. PANalytical now operates as an autonomous business unit of UK-based technology company Spectris plc. PANalytical is headquartered in Almelo (the Netherlands), with additional research facilities and applications laboratories in Eindhoven (the Netherlands), the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and the USA.

[edit] History

In 1948, North American Philips corporation (Norelco) introduced the first commercial X-ray diffractometer product in cooperation with the US Naval Research Laboratories. In 1954, Philips Analytical introduced the PW1520 spectrometer, forming the basis for commercial X-ray fluorescence products.^[1] That same year, Philips introduced the PW1050 goniometer (theta-2theta geometry) for both diffraction and fluorescence products. The PW1050 goniometer remains at the heart of many diffractometers still in use today ^[2]. Over the next several decades Philips expanded their product line under the Philips Analytical brand prior to the division's sale to Spectris in 2002. The company's current product line includes diffraction and fluorescence systems with theta-2theta goniometers fundamentally similar to the PW1050 as well as four-circle goniometers suited for materials science applications.