The National Gallery is seeking to procure a macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanning system for in-situ, non-invasive analysis and imaging of Old Master paintings, to advance their interdisciplinary scientific and art historical research.

The equipment will include a scanning/positioning system, a high efficiency X-ray source producing submillimetre spot sizes and a high sensitivity X-ray detector capable together of generating elemental maps with a spatial (lateral) resolution in the c.100-500 micron range using dwell times in the millisecond range, based on the acquisition of high quality spectral data. The elemental range of interest is Na to U. The equipment will produce scans at different spatial (lateral) resolutions and allow fast measurement (at a submillimetre resolution) of paintings up to several square metres in size e.g. within a working day or overnight.

Scanning/positioning system, high efficiency X-ray source producing submillimetre spot sizes and high sensitivity X-ray detector generating elemental maps with spatial resolution 100-500 micron range (dwell times in millisecond range) to acquire high quality spectral data

Elemental range Na to U

Scan at different spatial resolutions

Fast measurement of paintings up to several square metres in size

Electronics, cables, peripherals, alignment, control & data acquisition systems & software, data evaluation and post-processing software

Must ensure safety of both user and examined paintings; compliant with UK statutory regulations for X-ray equipment e.g. Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

Delivery by Feb 2017 essential.