An Interactive micromanipulation station combined to a confocal XRF instrument: proof of concept

We designed and developed an interactive micromanipulation station based on a commercial microgripper equipped with a force sensor. Through a haptic device and a custom-developed Graphical User Interface (GUI), the user can pilot the different parts of the station. This interactive station has been combined to a confocal X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument. A tip-shaped W microwire has been remotely manipulated and placed within the tightly focused X-ray spot of the equipment. Several XRF spectra have been recorded along the tip extremity. This led to the determination of the ultimate volume resolution that can be achieved with this laboratory confocal XRF instrument.