Be-Free Windows | Boron Carbide X-Ray Detector Windows

In 2021, Amptek announced the introduction of Boron Carbide (B4C) windows for use with Amptek’s FAST SDD® and SiPIN detectors. The product offering is the result of a multi-year effort to provide end-users and OEM manufacturers with a high-performance window alternative to standard beryllium (Be) foils.

Some of the major advantages are listed below:

• Our B4C windows have Comparable transmission efficiency to Be foils over a wide energy range, typical to hand-held and benchtop XRF applications
  Results from an instrument will not be greatly affected when switching from Beryllium to B4C windows.
• Can be used in most places where a beryllium window was previously used. 
  Non-toxic material provides worry-free handling during installation and use
  Concerns over the potential health hazards of beryllium and exposure are not an issue with these windows.
• Less thickness variation as compared to typical Be foils
• The beryllium window forming process allows a fair amount of variation in window thickness.
• The tightly controlled semiconductor fabrication process on the B4C windows produces a much more consistent window thickness.  
• OEM's prefer this as they can expect similar transmission from detector to detector, even at lower energies.  
• Allows for better modeling in quantitative calculations if the window thickness more closely matches the nominal values.

See our Beryllium free windows page for more information!