Xenocs
Xenocs is a French scientific-instrumentation company specializing in X-ray optics, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering systems, and analysis software.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Xenocs is a Grenoble-based scientific-instrumentation company that develops equipment, software, and services for the structural and nanoscale characterization of materials. Its principal technology domain is X-ray scattering, especially small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), techniques used to study structures ranging from nanometres to atomic and molecular length scales. The company serves universities, public research laboratories, synchrotron and beamline users, and industrial research-and-development organizations. The company was established in 2000 as a spin-off from the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble. Its founders were Ian Anderson, Frédéric Bossan, and Peter Høghøj, with Bossan and Høghøj taking management roles. Xenocs initially built expertise in X-ray, extreme-ultraviolet, and neutron optics. After moving to Sassenage near Grenoble in 2001, it developed multilayer optics and related components intended to improve the brightness, focus, and collimation of laboratory X-ray systems. Its early product development included the FOX2D single-reflection multilayer-coated X-ray optics line in 2002, the GeniX microfocus X-ray source in 2006, and FOX3D aspheric multilayer-coated optics in the same period. In 2008, Xenocs introduced products designed to provide virtually scatterless X-ray collimation. That capability supported the development of complete SAXS instruments, including the Xeuss product family launched in 2010. The business therefore evolved from a specialist optics supplier into a provider of integrated instrumentation and analytical workflows. Xenocs broadened its instrument portfolio during the 2010s. In 2014 it introduced the compact Nano-inXider SAXS system in collaboration with CEA and Arkema. The product was designed to bring SAXS characterization into more routine laboratory and industrial environments. The company also participated in crystallography outreach and knowledge-sharing activities during the 2014 International Year of Crystallography, including the IUCr-UNESCO Open Factory. In January 2017, Xenocs acquired SAXSLAB, a manufacturer of high-end laboratory SAXS equipment with operations connected to Denmark and the United States. The transaction expanded Xenocs' international reach and combined SAXSLAB's product lines and regional presence with the broader Xenocs organization. This was an important step in the company's transition from a primarily French technology business to an international supplier of laboratory scattering systems. In 2019, Xenocs moved its global headquarters and research-and-development operations from Sassenage to a newly built facility in Grenoble's scientific district. The approximately 4,800-square-metre site consolidated development, production, and corporate activities. The same year, Xenocs introduced the Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS beamline system and XSACT software, combining instrument control and data-reduction capabilities into a more integrated offering. As of September 2020, the Xenocs group reported approximately 75 employees. The portfolio continued to expand in 2024 with the launch of the Xeuss Pro SAXS/WAXS system and XSACT Pro software. These releases extended the company's focus from hardware performance to complete acquisition, processing, and analysis workflows. In September 2024, Xenocs announced a strategic cooperation with Rigaku Corporation of Japan. Under the arrangement, Rigaku distributes Xenocs products in Japan, while Xenocs incorporates Rigaku rotating-anode X-ray generators into instruments sold internationally. The cooperation is intended to broaden market access and combine complementary X-ray technologies. Xenocs' application scope includes nanomaterials, polymers, food and consumer-care formulations, energy-storage materials, biomaterials, and pharmaceutical research. Its positioning is that of a specialized, technology-led supplier connecting advanced X-ray optics, laboratory-scale scattering instruments, software, and application support. The company operates in a research-intensive market where performance, reproducibility, instrument integration, and data interpretation are central purchasing considerations.
History
Xenocs was founded in 2000 in Grenoble, France, as a spin-off from the Institut Laue-Langevin. Ian Anderson, Frédéric Bossan, and Peter Høghøj established the company, with Bossan and Høghøj forming its initial management team. The business began with expertise in advanced optics for X-ray, extreme-ultraviolet, and neutron applications. In 2001, Xenocs moved to nearby Sassenage and established facilities for producing specialized optics. Its first major commercial development was the FOX2D line of single-reflection multilayer-coated X-ray optics, introduced in 2002. The company followed with the GeniX microfocus X-ray source and FOX3D aspheric multilayer-coated optics in 2006. These products reflected Xenocs' strategy of controlling key optical and source technologies rather than acting solely as an equipment reseller. Xenocs expanded from components into performance-enhancing system technologies in 2008, when it launched products for virtually scatterless X-ray collimation. Improved collimation increased the usefulness of laboratory small-angle X-ray scattering measurements and helped lead to the Xeuss SAXS instrument line in 2010. The company subsequently pursued more compact and accessible systems, including Nano-inXider, launched in 2014 with CEA and Arkema. The 2014 product launch took place during the International Year of Crystallography. Xenocs also co-organized the IUCr-UNESCO Open Factory in December of that year, an activity reflecting its links with crystallography, materials science, and public research institutions. A major organizational turning point came in January 2017, when Xenocs acquired SAXSLAB. SAXSLAB supplied high-end laboratory SAXS equipment and had operations associated with Denmark and Amherst, Massachusetts. The acquisition gave Xenocs additional products, personnel, and international distribution capability. SAXSLAB's lines and regional entities were subsequently integrated into the Xenocs group. In 2019, Xenocs relocated its headquarters and research-and-development facilities from Sassenage to a purpose-built site in Grenoble's scientific polygon. The facility measured approximately 4,800 square metres and was intended to bring together the company's corporate, engineering, and production activities. Xenocs also introduced the Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS beamline system and XSACT software that year, combining the company's instrument expertise with software for data reduction and analysis. The business continued developing integrated hardware and software in 2024. It launched Xeuss Pro, a SAXS/WAXS system, together with XSACT Pro, an advanced version of its analysis software. In September 2024, Xenocs announced a global strategic cooperation with Rigaku Corporation. Rigaku became a distribution channel for Xenocs products in Japan, while Xenocs incorporated Rigaku rotating-anode X-ray generators into instruments offered around the world. Xenocs serves academic institutions, public laboratories, and industrial research organizations. Its application areas include nanomaterials, polymers, food, consumer care, energy storage, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. The company's history shows a progression from a university-linked optics spin-off to an international supplier of complete X-ray characterization systems and analytical software. As of September 2020, the Xenocs group reported 75 employees.
- 2024
Xeuss Pro and XSACT Pro launched
[1]The company introduced a new professional SAXS/WAXS system and upgraded analysis software.
- 2024
Strategic cooperation with Rigaku announced
[1]The cooperation combined Japanese distribution for Xenocs products with integration of Rigaku rotating-anode generators into Xenocs systems.
- 2019
Grenoble facility opened and Xeuss 3.0 launched
[1]Xenocs moved to a new Grenoble site and released the Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS system with XSACT software.
- 2017
SAXSLAB acquired
[1]The acquisition expanded Xenocs' product portfolio and international operations in laboratory SAXS.
- 2014
Nano-inXider introduced
[1]Xenocs launched a compact SAXS system in collaboration with CEA and Arkema.
- 2010
Xeuss SAXS product family launched
[1]Xenocs entered the integrated SAXS-instrument market with the Xeuss line.
- 2008
Virtually scatterless collimation products launched
[1]New collimation products improved the performance potential of laboratory SAXS systems.
- 2006
GeniX and FOX3D development
[1]Xenocs introduced the GeniX microfocus X-ray source and FOX3D aspheric multilayer-coated optics.
- 2002
FOX2D optics introduced
[1]The company launched FOX2D single-reflection multilayer-coated X-ray optics.
- 2001
Move to Sassenage and production setup
[1]Xenocs moved to Sassenage near Grenoble and established facilities for producing X-ray, extreme-ultraviolet, and neutron optics.
Products and positioning
A specialized scientific-instrumentation provider for laboratory and industrial X-ray scattering, differentiated by in-house X-ray optics, integrated SAXS/WAXS systems, and software for data reduction and analysis.
X-ray optics · 2002
FOX2D
FOX2D is Xenocs' early line of single-reflection multilayer-coated X-ray optics. Introduced in 2002, the optics formed part of the company's original effort to commercialize specialized components for laboratory and research X-ray systems. Their role is to manipulate and condition X-ray beams for improved experimental performance.
Microfocus X-ray source · 2006
GeniX
GeniX is a microfocus X-ray source introduced by Xenocs in 2006. It belongs to the source technologies that support laboratory X-ray characterization, where a compact and controlled beam source is needed for scattering and related measurements. The product helped broaden Xenocs' activities beyond optics into complete laboratory instrument architectures.
X-ray optics · 2006
FOX3D
FOX3D is an aspheric multilayer-coated X-ray optics line developed from Xenocs' patented optics work. Launched in 2006, it extended the company's optical portfolio and was intended to support efficient beam shaping and focusing in advanced X-ray applications.
SAXS instrument · 2010
Xeuss
Xeuss is Xenocs' family of laboratory small-angle X-ray scattering instruments. The line grew out of the company's virtually scatterless collimation technology and provides integrated equipment for nanoscale structural analysis. It is used across materials research and industrial development applications where laboratory SAXS is needed.
Compact SAXS system · 2014
Nano-inXider
Nano-inXider is a compact SAXS system launched in 2014 in collaboration with CEA and Arkema. It was designed to make nanoscale X-ray scattering more accessible in laboratory and industrial environments, including applications involving polymers, nanomaterials, formulations, and energy-related materials.
SAXS/WAXS beamline system · 2019
Xeuss 3.0
Xeuss 3.0 is a SAXS/WAXS beamline system introduced in 2019. It combines small-angle and wide-angle scattering capabilities in an integrated platform for materials characterization. The system was launched alongside XSACT software, linking measurement hardware with data-reduction and analysis workflows.
X-ray scattering software · 2019
XSACT
XSACT is Xenocs software for X-ray scattering data reduction and analysis. Introduced with Xeuss 3.0, it extends the company's offering from instruments and optics into the processing of experimental data. The software is intended to support repeatable workflows for SAXS and WAXS users in research and industrial settings.
Professional SAXS/WAXS system · 2024
Xeuss Pro
Xeuss Pro is a professional-generation SAXS/WAXS system launched in 2024. It represents Xenocs' continuing emphasis on integrated laboratory instrumentation for advanced materials characterization and is positioned within the company's higher-performance product portfolio.
X-ray scattering software · 2024
XSACT Pro
XSACT Pro is the professional-generation version of Xenocs' software for X-ray scattering data reduction and analysis. Launched in 2024 alongside Xeuss Pro, it supports the company's strategy of offering a coordinated hardware and software environment for SAXS/WAXS measurement workflows.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014IUCr-UNESCO Open Factory
International scientific community · Crystallography and materials research
Xenocs co-organized the IUCr-UNESCO Open Factory in December 2014 during the International Year of Crystallography. The initiative connected the company with scientific outreach, crystallography education, and the wider research community.
Outcome. The event increased the visibility of crystallography-related instrumentation and reinforced Xenocs' relationship with academic and public research institutions.
Brand decisions
2024
Introduce Xeuss Pro and XSACT ProProduct launchBackground
Xenocs continued upgrading both its laboratory scattering hardware and its data-analysis environment.
Action taken
The company launched the Xeuss Pro SAXS/WAXS system and XSACT Pro data-reduction and analysis software.
Aftermath
The releases expanded Xenocs' current-generation professional portfolio and reinforced its integrated hardware-software positioning.
2024
Establish strategic cooperation with RigakuStrategyBackground
Xenocs pursued broader international distribution and access to complementary X-ray generator technology.
Action taken
Xenocs and Rigaku agreed that Rigaku would distribute Xenocs products in Japan, while Xenocs would integrate Rigaku rotating-anode X-ray generators into its global instrument portfolio.
Aftermath
The arrangement created a reciprocal commercial and technology relationship between the two scientific-instrumentation companies.
2019
Consolidate headquarters and research operations in GrenobleStrategyBackground
Xenocs needed a larger and more integrated base for its global headquarters, research, development, and production activities.
Action taken
The company moved from Sassenage to a newly constructed facility of approximately 4,800 square metres in Grenoble's scientific district.
Aftermath
The move consolidated key operations and supported the company's continued development of integrated instrumentation and software.
2017
Acquire SAXSLABM&ABackground
Xenocs sought to expand its laboratory SAXS portfolio and international operating footprint.
Action taken
The company acquired SAXSLAB, a high-end laboratory SAXS-equipment manufacturer with operations associated with Denmark and the United States, and subsequently integrated its product lines and regional entities.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Xenocs' international presence and broadened its range of laboratory scattering systems.
Recent events
- 2024
Xenocs launches Xeuss Pro and XSACT Pro[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The company expanded its instrumentation and software portfolio with a professional-generation SAXS/WAXS system and an upgraded data-reduction and analysis platform.
- 2024
Xenocs announces strategic cooperation with Rigaku[1]
Other
The cooperation established reciprocal commercial and technology arrangements: Rigaku distributes Xenocs products in Japan, while Xenocs integrates Rigaku rotating-anode X-ray generators into its international instrument portfolio.
- 2019
Xenocs launches Xeuss 3.0 and XSACT[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Xenocs released the Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS beamline system together with XSACT software for data reduction and analysis.
- 2019
Xenocs moves its headquarters and research facilities to Grenoble[1]
Other
The company relocated from Sassenage to a newly constructed facility in Grenoble's scientific district, consolidating global headquarters and research-and-development activities.
- 2017
Xenocs acquires SAXSLAB[1]
M&A
The acquisition brought a high-end laboratory SAXS manufacturer into the Xenocs group and expanded the company's operations through facilities and market presence associated with Denmark and the United States.
- 2014
Xenocs introduces the Nano-inXider compact SAXS system[1]
Product launch
The company launched Nano-inXider at the IUCr conference in collaboration with CEA and Arkema, extending compact SAXS instrumentation toward broader laboratory and industrial use.
- 2010
Xenocs launches the Xeuss SAXS instrument product line[1]
Product launch
Xenocs introduced the Xeuss family after developing virtually scatterless X-ray collimation technology for higher-performance small-angle X-ray scattering measurements.
Sources1 sources
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