WILMINGTON, Mass.– Rigaku Analytical Devices has announced the launch of the Icon-X, the first model in its fourth-generation series of 1064 nm handheld Raman analyzers. Designed to advance chemical threat detection in high-risk environments, the Icon-X will debut at the International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference (HAZMAT), hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 13–14. The company will also begin global sales on the same date.
The Icon-X is the first 1064 nm handheld Raman device to offer standoff chemical analysis, enabling operators to identify potentially hazardous materials from a safe distance. This feature is a significant advancement for military units, first responders, bomb squads, and border protection teams working in environments where exposure to chemical or explosive threats is a serious risk. By minimizing the need for direct sampling, the device allows for faster assessments while maintaining scene integrity and responder safety.
Equipped with a comprehensive onboard library, the Icon-X can detect a wide range of hazardous substances, including chemical warfare agents, explosives, narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, precursors, and cutting agents. It builds on the success of Rigaku’s earlier handheld Raman models, offering substantial upgrades in usability and performance.
Among the design improvements are a more ergonomic form factor, a larger and more responsive touchscreen, and an illuminated keypad for operation in low-light conditions. An upgraded 13-megapixel camera with LED flash enhances the ability to document substances, while optional GPS integration allows users to geotag scan data—an essential tool for fleet management and sensitive site exploitation. The device also meets MIL-STD-810H military standards for durability and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making it suited for deployment in harsh environments and decontamination procedures.
Rigaku has also introduced new accessories to expand the range of use cases for the Icon-X, including a specialized ball probe for scanning inside deep or hard-to-access containers.
As chemical threats grow more complex and accessible due to evolving criminal and terrorist tactics, the need for faster, more reliable field detection is greater than ever. The Icon-X leverages 1064 nm Raman technology to scan through translucent packaging and detect dirty or mixed substances without the fluorescence interference that plagues older Raman systems.
“While developing the Icon Series, we considered the years of feedback received from our global network of 1064 nm Raman users and partners,” said Dr. Michael Hargreaves, Vice President of Science & Technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. “This allowed us to take a proven, field-accessible technology to the next level, and really expand the capabilities of handheld Raman spectroscopy.”
The Icon-X marks a major leap in safety and efficiency for field personnel working in environments where every second counts and accurate chemical identification is critical.
