COMPANY
About XEI Scientific
Keeping electron microscopes pristine for discovery, innovation, and reliable analysis.
For almost three decades XEI Scientific has helped researchers, engineers, and manufacturers to maintain cleaner vacuum environments for electron microscopy and advanced analytical instrumentation. Founded in 1991 by Ronald Vane, the company was established to address a persistent challenge in scanning electron microscopy: hydrocarbon contamination that can compromise imaging quality, analytical performance, and instrument reliability.
XEI Scientific pioneered downstream plasma cleaning for electron microscopes and introduced the Evactron® De-Contaminator, the first commercial in-situ plasma cleaning system for electron microscope vacuum chambers. Today, Evactron® plasma cleaning technology is trusted by laboratories worldwide to remove hydrocarbon contamination, support pristine vacuum conditions, and improve performance across SEM, TEM, FIB, UHV, EUV, X-ray optics, and specimen-preparation applications.
Our mission is straightforward: to help scientists and engineers achieve cleaner systems, clearer data, and more dependable results. As XEI Scientific enters its next chapter, we remain committed to practical innovation, responsive customer support, and the high standards of quality and reliability that have defined the Evactron® name.
Three decades of cleaner science
From a persistent contamination problem to a worldwide standard in plasma cleaning.
1991
Founded
XEI Scientific is established by Ronald Vane to address contamination challenges in electron microscopy and vacuum systems.
1999
Evactron® Debut
Launch of the Evactron® De-Contaminator, the world's first commercial in-situ plasma cleaning system for electron microscopes and the first to utilize downstream plasma cleaning technology.
2000s
Global Adoption
Evactron® systems become trusted by universities, research institutes, microscopy centers, and industrial laboratories around the world.
2010s
Portfolio Expansion
XEI expands its technology portfolio to support SEM, TEM, FIB, ultra-high-vacuum systems, and specimen-preparation applications.
2026
New Ownership
XEI Scientific enters a new chapter under the ownership of Christopher Booth and Michal Rabara. The new leadership team is focused on accelerating R&D, strengthening global customer support, and building on XEI's legacy of innovation and reliability.
2026
A New Chapter
In 2026, XEI Scientific was acquired by Christopher Booth and Michal Rabara, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth and innovation. While preserving the company's strong technical foundation and customer-focused culture, the new ownership is committed to:- Advancing next-generation plasma cleaning technologies
- Expanding research and development initiatives
- Enhancing worldwide customer support and service
- Maintaining XEI's industry-leading quality and safety standards
- Continuing to serve the global microscopy and vacuum technology communities
As XEI enters its fourth decade, our focus remains unchanged: delivering practical solutions that help customers achieve carbon-free vacuum environments and the highest-quality imaging and analytical results possible.