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Jan 01, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 1)

Oxford Instruments Periodic Table

  • Customized periodic table for X-ray spectroscopy
  • Table omits basic information like atomic weights
Platform:   iPad    
Cost:   Free

Despite the fact that there exist a number of periodic table apps, the Oxford Instruments Periodic Table provides a unique (albeit commercial) take on the traditional periodic table by emphasizing each element’s X-ray lines and energies, two characteristics used in X-ray spectroscopy to identify the presence of particular elements. While the app does not fail to incorporate a commercial aspect to the app, highlighting the particular Oxford Instruments products that can be used to detect each element, this feature is neither distracting nor detrimental to the app as a whole. (The greater flaw of the app is that it omits the atomic weights from the periodic table, thereby limiting the table’s use strictly to X-ray spectroscopy.) Explaining why particular equipment detects certain elements but not others, rather than simply providing the technical specs, would also improve the app.


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*The opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and should not be construed as reflecting the viewpoints of the publisher, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., the publishing house, or employees and affiliates thereof.

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