Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis

What Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis does

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis is a business unit of Oxford Instruments plc (LSE: OXIG), headquartered in High Wycombe, United Kingdom, providing leading-edge analytical tools for materials characterization and nanoscale sample manipulation on electron microscopes (SEM, TEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) systems. Its core technology spans proprietary Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detectors — including the flagship Ultim Max Infinity with a 170 mm² Silicon Drift Detector — Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detectors (Symmetry S3, C-Nano+, C-Swift+), Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) systems, piezoelectric OmniProbe nanomanipulators, and the Unity BEX imaging detector that simultaneously combines backscattered electron and X-ray signals. The AZtec software platform integrates data acquisition and analysis across these modalities and is extended through specialized modules for pharmaceutical compliance (AZtecPharma), battery materials, steel, mineralogy, additive manufacturing, technical cleanliness, and forensics.

The company serves academic institutions, research laboratories, and industrial customers across approximately 13 verticals — including semiconductors, automotive and aerospace, energy generation and storage, mining and geology, life sciences, pharma, metals and alloys, quantum technology, chemicals and catalysis, forensics, and agriculture and food. The business model combines high-ASP capital-equipment sales (detectors, nanomanipulators), software subscriptions (notably AZtecFlex 12-month personal licenses), training services delivered through regional facilities in the UK, Europe, US, and Asia, multi-tier maintenance and support contracts enhanced by Sentinel remote monitoring and LiveAssist virtual support, and consumables distributed via regional eCommerce stores. Distribution is executed through enterprise field sales, regional eCommerce platforms, and long-standing exclusive distribution relationships such as AGAR Scientific in France. The division is supported by dedicated product management across EDS, EBSD, OmniProbe, TEM, and life science lines, and has won third-party validation including the 2025 Institute of Physics Business Innovation Award for BEX technology.

Name

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis

Legal name

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis (operating division of Oxford Instruments plc)

Website

https://nano.oxinst.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1959

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis is a division of Oxford Instruments plc that develops EDS, EBSD, WDS detectors, nanomanipulators, and AZtec software for materials characterization on SEM, TEM, and FIB systems, serving R&D and industrial customers across semiconductors, pharma, energy, mining, automotive, and life science verticals globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Analytical Instruments (Electron Microscopy Hardware & Software)

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB), Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity) (IMAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Electron microscopy detectors
• EDS analytical software
• EBSD crystallography systems
• Materials characterization instruments
• Nanomanipulation tools

Headquarters

HQ city

High Wycombe

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Analytical Instruments and Detectors: Sale of high-end analytical hardware including EDS detectors (Ultim Max, Ultim Extreme, Xplore), EBSD detectors (Symmetry S3, C-Nano+, C-Swift+), WDS systems, TEM cameras, and nanomanipulators (OmniProbe). These are capital equipment purchases for electron microscopes.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: AZtec software suite provides data acquisition, processing, and analysis capabilities. Includes AZtecLive, AZtecOne, AZtecCrystal, and specialized application modules. AZtecFlex offers 12-month personal subscription licenses.
3. Training Services: Classroom, remote, and on-site training courses for EDS and EBSD operations. Engineer training for authorized distributors. Training centers in UK, Europe, US, and Asia.
4. Maintenance and Support Contracts: Multi-layered maintenance and service contracts with varying support levels (Full Support, Limited Support). Includes ProActive Support with Sentinel remote monitoring and LiveAssist virtual assistance.
5. Consumables and Accessories: Microscopy supplies including grid products (copper, molybdenum, beryllium, silicon grids), calibration standards, preparation materials, and related consumables sold through eStore

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis manufactures and sells hardware detectors and integrated software for materials characterization using electron microscopes (SEM, TEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) systems. The portfolio includes EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction), WDS (Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy), and BEX imaging detectors, alongside the AZtec software platform, OmniProbe nanomanipulators, and complementary digital services for remote monitoring and support.

Product overview

Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis provides leading-edge tools for materials characterization and sample manipulation at the nanometer scale, used on electron microscopes (SEM and TEM) and ion-beam systems (FIB). The product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the AZtec software platform, which integrates data acquisition and analysis for multiple detector technologies including EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction), WDS (Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy), and BEX (Backscattered Electron and X-ray) imaging. The hardware portfolio includes Ultim Max and Ultim Extreme SDD detectors for EDS, Symmetry and CMOS EBSD detectors, Wave WDS spectrometer, Unity BEX imaging detector, OmniProbe nanomanipulators, and RISE correlative microscopy systems. Specialized application modules address specific industry needs including pharmaceutical compliance (AZtecPharma), battery materials (AZtecBattery), steel analysis (AZtecSteel), mineralogy (AZtecMineral), additive manufacturing (AZtecAM), and technical cleanliness (AZtecClean). Digital services including Oi View, Sentinel remote monitoring, and LiveAssist support complement the product offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AZtec: Comprehensive EDS, EBSD, BEX, and RISE software platform for elemental and crystallographic analysis
• AZtecLive
• AZtecCrystal
• AZtecOne
• BEX (Backscattered Electron and X-ray)
• Unity
• Ultim Max
• Ultim Extreme
• Symmetry S3
• OmniProbe
• AZtecHKL
• AZtecPharma
• AZtecBattery
• AZtecMineral
• AZtecSteel
• AZtecAM
• AZtecFeature
• AZtecClean
• AZtecGSR
• AZtec3D
• AZtecLayerProbe
• AZtecSynergy
• AZtecTEM
• AZtecFlex
• AZtecWave
• AZtecLiveOne
• AZtecMatch
• AutoPhaseMap
• TruMap
• Tru-Q
• SmartMap
• LiveAssist
• Sentinel
• ProActive Support
• Xplore
• Oi View
• Relate
• RISE

Products and services

• Ultim Max Infinity Next-generation Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) for EDS analysis delivering unparalleled speed and sensitivity, with the world's largest area SDD at 170 mm² and guaranteed 46 eV carbon resolution for SEM applications.
• Ultim Extreme Infinity EDS detector combining Extreme electronics and windowless construction with optimized geometry for ultimate spatial resolution and low energy performance, enabling nanoscale analysis down to ten nm resolution.
• Xplore for SEM EDS detector for routine SEM analysis providing streamlined functionality for common laboratory applications, complementing the comprehensive EDS portfolio.
• Xplore for TEM EDS detector designed for TEM applications providing stable and accurate elemental analysis in transmission electron microscopy.
• Xplore Compact TTM EDS detector for thermal field emission microscopes providing elemental analysis capabilities for TTM systems.
• Symmetry S3 CMOS EBSD detector delivering exceptional performance for all EBSD analysis types with unparalleled sensitivity and excellent analysis speeds for optimum data quality.
• C-Nano+ CMOS EBSD detector optimized for nanoscale EBSD analysis with high sensitivity and rapid data acquisition.
• C-Swift+ High-speed CMOS EBSD detector enabling rapid orientation mapping with excellent data quality.
• Wave Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) spectrometer providing high-sensitivity elemental detection with superior spectral resolution for demanding analytical applications.
• Unity BEX Detector Revolutionary imaging detector combining backscattered electron and X-ray sensors directly below the SEM pole piece, enabling simultaneous BEX imaging with up to 100x productivity improvement and superior image quality without shadows.
• OmniProbe 400 Ninth-generation nanomanipulator using innovative piezo actuation for best-in-class nanoscale positioning with 4 degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, R), 10 nm encoder resolution, and in-situ tip change capability.
• OmniProbe 350 3-axis port-mounted nanomanipulator featuring piezoelectric motors with closed-loop feedback for routine TEM lamella preparation with precise and intuitive control.
• OmniProbe Cryo Specialized cryogenic lift-out system for preparing cryo-TEM samples, maintaining frozen hydrated specimens for biological and materials science applications.
• RISE Microscopy Correlative microscopy technique combining SEM and confocal Raman imaging to link ultra-structural surface properties with molecular compound information.
• Horizon 10K Ion Polisher Argon ion polishing system for final stage sample preparation, producing artifact-free surfaces for EBSD analysis.
• AZtec Software Platform Comprehensive software platform for EDS, EBSD, WDS, and BEX data acquisition and analysis, integrating multiple specialized modules into a unified workflow.
• AZtecLive Real-time chemical imaging software for SEM combining live electron image with elemental analysis, enabling users to navigate samples while viewing elemental distribution instantly.
• AZtecLiveOne Streamlined EDS software solution combining simple operation with powerful functionality for users without extensive EDS training or expertise.
• AZtecHKL Most powerful EBSD software combining speed and accuracy for routine analysis with flexibility for advanced applications requiring high-speed orientation mapping.
• AZtecTEM Innovative EDS software specifically optimized for advanced TEM applications with unique system approach to nanoscale materials characterization.
• AZtecSynergy Powerful solution for simultaneous collection and analysis of EDS and EBSD data, combining compositional and crystallographic information in one integrated workflow.
• AZtecCrystal 4.0 Advanced EBSD data processing software providing all necessary tools to interrogate EBSD data and solve materials science problems including cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
• AZtecPharma Dedicated version of AZtecLive designed for pharmaceutical and biomedical industries with enhanced data security, digital signatures, audit trails, and compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, EU GMP Annex 11, and GxP guidelines.
• AZtecBattery Automated solution for analysis of powders used in battery materials and battery manufacturing, ideal for detection and characterization of battery components and contaminants.
• AZtecSteel Automated steel inclusion analysis package developed specifically for non-metallic inclusions analysis in the SEM, improving efficiency and accuracy of steel quality control.
• AZtecMineral Dedicated mineralogy solution for multi-purpose SEM enabling automated mineral identification and characterization.
• AZtecAM Automated solution for analysis of metal powders used in additive manufacturing, optimizing particle analysis workflows for AM quality control.
• AZtecClean Leading global solution for detection and analysis of particles as part of technical cleanliness monitoring commonly performed in automotive manufacturing to ISO16232 standards.
• AZtecFeature World-leading particle analysis solution for SEM using smart approaches including FeatureExpress upgrade for automated particle detection and classification.
• AZtecGSR Fast, accurate gunshot residue analysis solution for forensic applications providing critical evidence for criminal investigations.
• AZtec LayerProbe Thin film analysis software tool for SEM that is faster, more cost-effective, and higher resolution than alternative methods for layer characterization.
• AZtecWave Software solution for WDS (Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy) analysis enabling high-sensitivity elemental detection and quantification.
• AZtec3D Interface for simultaneous EDS and EBSD data acquisition and analysis for 3D characterization of materials microstructure.
• AZtecFlex Personal subscription license allowing users to process AZtec data anywhere without accessing shared facilities, designed for flexible remote data analysis.
• Relate Software for correlation of data collected using electron microscopes (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), enabling visualization and analysis of samples across multiple imaging modalities.
• Oi View Digital service delivering real-time insights from Oxford Instruments systems to phone, tablet, or PC, enabling remote monitoring and management of instruments.
• Sentinel System health remote monitoring service that continuously monitors detector performance parameters, enabling remote diagnosis and proactive maintenance to prevent failures.
• LiveAssist Virtual presence service providing instant access to Oxford Instruments support professionals for real-time technical assistance, analysis optimization, and remote troubleshooting.
• EDS Training Course - AZtec Energy Classroom, remote, and on-site training courses for EDS operations, with certification provided upon completion.
• EBSD Training Course Training covering EBSP optimisation, AZtecCrystal data processing, and EBSD analysis workflow.

Quantifiable outcome

• Microscope productivity improved by up to 100x with Unity BEX detector
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments12 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Direct ElectronnotableTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Oxford Instruments partnered with Direct Electron in Europe. Direct Electron provides direct electron detector technology for TEM applications, expanding Oxford Instruments' analytical capabilities in the electron microscopy market.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Rigaku:
• TESCAN: TESCAN manufactures SEM and FIB-SEM platforms and partners with Oxford Instruments for EDS/EBSD detector integration. Competes in the same materials characterization workflows and offers bundled software solutions that overlap with the AZtec platform.
• JEOL: JEOL is a major electron microscope OEM whose SEMs and TEMs host Oxford Instruments' EDS/EBSD detectors. JEOL also sells its own analysis software and increasingly offers integrated detector packages, making it both a key customer for NanoAnalysis hardware and a competitive threat in the bundled workflow.
• Carl Zeiss Microscopy: ZEISS is a leading SEM/E-beam microscope OEM (EVO, Sigma, Crossbeam) that hosts Oxford Instruments' detectors and competes via its own correlative microscopy and software ecosystem. Comparable positioning as a high-end electron microscopy platform vendor serving similar industrial and academic customers.
• Hitachi High-Tech: Hitachi High-Tech manufactures SEM and TEM platforms used across materials science, semiconductor, and life sciences, and partners with (or competes with) Oxford Instruments for EDS/EBSD detector integration. Same customer base and overlapping software/analytics offerings make it a meaningful adjacent competitor.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Electron Microscopy / EDAX legacy): Thermo Fisher manufactures the leading SEM/TEM platforms (Thermo Fisher Scientific / former FEI / EDAX legacy workflows) and bundles its own EDS/EBSD software (Pathfinder, Velox, Aztec-equivalent) as part of full microscope sales. Acts as both a customer channel (when Oxford sells detectors for Thermo microscopes) and a competitor via integrated software bundles.

Direct peers

• Bruker: Bruker's NanoAnalytics division sells EDS, EBSD, and WDS detectors (XFlash, e-Flash, Optimus TKD) and QUANTAX/ESPRIT software that directly compete with Oxford Instruments' Ultim Max, Symmetry, and AZtec platforms in the SEM market. Same customer base, same product category, and same go-to-market through SEM OEMs and direct sales.
• AMETEK (EDAX): EDAX, an AMETEK business, is one of the longest-established EDS and EBSD detector and software vendors (TEAM, OIM, APEX) and competes head-to-head with Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis in elemental and crystallographic analysis on SEMs. Direct overlap in detectors, software, and served verticals including metals, mining, and semiconductors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/OxInst
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oxford-instruments-nanoanalysis

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis