How to choose a detector for a handheld XRF spectrometer

SDD or PIN: Which detector does your handheld XRF analyzer need?

When purchasing a handheld XRF analyzer, determining whether you need a silicon drift detector (SDD) or a PIN detector is one of the primary choices you need to make.

Two instruments in the KMX-RAY XRF series are equipped with two different detectors: the k-1688 analyzer is equipped with a Si-PIN detector (from MOXTEK, USA), while the K-8000PLUS analyzer is equipped with an SDD detector (from KETEK, Germany).

SDD vs. PIN: What are the differences between them?

The silicon Drift detector (SDD) (KETEK, Germany) is a relatively new technology, and its X-ray count rate per second is approximately ten times higher than that of the PIN detector. The resolution of the SDD detector is also approximately 40 eV lower than that of the PIN detector. However, along with the improvement of SDD performance comes an increase in cost.

The following figure illustrates the output differences of Si-pin and SDD in the same sample. The red peaks represent the output of SDD, and the gray spectrum represents si-pin.

Determining factors: This is quite complex, but if you need to measure elements with low content (below 0.05%), light alloys (magnesium-aluminum alloys, silicon-sulfur-phosphorus alloys), or alloys with significant interference (such as tin-lead-bismuth alloys, tantalum-niobium alloys), then SDD is the best choice.

When determining which detector is more suitable for you, you need to consider how you plan to use the XRF analyzer. Here I would like to ask you two important questions:

1.Do you need to measure some light elements, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K) or calcium (Ca)?

The quantitative detection of these lighter elements can only be accomplished by analyzers equipped with SDD detectors. Many people thus wrongly believe that analyzers equipped with PIN detectors cannot be used to sort aluminium alloys. However, analyzers equipped with PIN detectors can sort many aluminum alloy grades based on the content of heavier elements such as Cu, Cr or Fe. Of course, more subtle distinctions need to be made, such as 6061 aluminum and 6063 aluminum with different magnesium contents, which require the use of an analyzer equipped with an SDD detector.

2. Do you need a lower detection limit?

The detection limit (LOD) of SDD detectors is usually about three times lower than that of PIN detectors. SDD detectors also have a higher counting rate than PIN detectors, thus offering higher precision and sensitivity.

Which analyzer is more suitable for you?

We hope the above questions have helped you determine which detector to use, which means you are one step closer to your goal of purchasing a suitable analyzer.

If you need an SDD detector, then you may need to know more about our K-8000PLUS handheld XRF analyzer. This analyzer can detect light elements and identify alloys.

This analyzer can quickly and accurately identify magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) elements within a few seconds. The SDD detector of the analyzer can also distinguish similar alloy grades, such as 303 and 304 stainless steel, 6061 and 1100 aluminum, as well as 6063 and 1100 aluminum. This analyzer can effectively measure the content of ferrous metals, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel and gold, and is an ideal tool for applications such as waste recycling, basic PMI (Material Composition Identification), metal manufacturing and precious metal recognition.

If you need a PIN detector, then please take a close look at our primary K-1688 economical and practical analyzer. Or, this affordable analyzer can identify alloys.

No matter which analyzer you choose, you can use it with confidence, because both analyzers have the basic characteristics that have made the KMX-RAY analyzer renowned: rapid detection, reliable results, durability, good connectivity, and its operation convenience is comparable to that of a smart phone.

If you are still not quite sure about the difference between SDD and PIN detectors, or have any other questions about XRF technology, please do not hesitate to ask us for help!