Application Notes: General

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting took place from February 17 to 22, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. In this video interview, we speak with Tom Metz of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Heidi Eldridge of George Washington University, and Claire Glynn of the University of New Haven, all of whom attended AAFS this year and delivered important talks that provide insight into the state of the forensic science industry. Metz, Eldridge, and Glynn provide summaries of the talks they delivered at AAFS.

Discover how Hamamatsu Photonics’ CMOS image sensors are adapted to meet the evolving applications of water analysis, food inspection, and industrial position detection

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is the preferred technique for inorganic contaminant analysis of biodiesel, and PerkinElmer offers two technologies to support it. The Avio 220 Max and Avio 550 Max, combined with PerkinElmer's expertise, can help labs achieve accurate feedstock analysis demanded by today's market.

In BioTech R&D, overcoming data fragmentation is crucial as it hinders innovation, leads to redundant efforts, and wastes resources.

See how the NexION® 5000 multi-quad ICP-MS offers exceptional performance and interference removal for trace metallic impurities in ultra-pure N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Camston Wrather is transforming waste disposal with sustainable resource recovery from PCBs. Partnering with PerkinElmer, they’ve advanced eco-friendly solutions.

For the analysis of semiconductor-grade solvents, see how the NexION® 2200 ICP-MS accurately quantifies ppt-level impurities by reducing polyatomic interferences.

In semiconductor fabrication, controlling impurities is crucial. This work describes metallic nanoparticle analysis in sulfuric acid using the NexION® 5000 SP-ICP-MS.

Explore a method for ultratrace-level quantification of nanoparticle impurities in semiconductor-grade TMAH using NexION® 5000 ICP-MS for improved yield and performance.

This work demonstrates the ability of the NexION® 2200 ICP-MS to reliably and effectively quantify ultra-trace impurities at the ng/L level in concentrated HCl.

For improved semiconductor gas analysis, discover how Gas Direct Injection-ICP-MS simplifies sample prep, replacing impingers with direct analysis.

For non-metallic impurity analysis in dilute nitric acid, the NexION® 5000 ICP-MS uses a mixed-mode method to achieve low-ppt detection, overcoming spectral interferences.

Analysis of drinking water in compliance with the U.S. EPA Method 200.8, Revision 5.4 using the Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS

Comprehensive analysis of water samples in alignment with EN ISO Method 17294 using ICP-MS

Robust analysis of a variety of water, wastewater, and soil samples according to the requirements of U.S. EPA Method 6020B.

This application note demonstrates robust and reliable analysis of soil samples using single quadrupole ICP-MS

Multi-element analysis of drinking water samples as per regulations from the Bureau of Indian Standards using ICP-MS

When it comes to water analysis, it can be challenging for labs to keep up with ever-changing testing regulations while also executing time-efficient, accurate, and risk-mitigating workflows. To ensure the safety of our water, there are a host of national and international regulators such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union (EU) that demand stringent testing methods for drinking water and wastewater. Those methods often call for fast implementation and lengthy processes, as well as high sensitivity and reliable instrumentation. This paper explains how your ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and LC-MS-MS workflows can be optimized for compliance with the latest requirements for water testing set by regulations like US EPA methods 200.8, 6010, 6020, and 537.1, along with ISO 17294-2. It will discuss the challenges faced by regulatory labs to meet requirements and present field-proven tips and tricks for simplified implementation and maximized uptime.

Gain insights into improving efficiency and accuracy in elemental analysis through automated dilution technology. Learn about the key capabilities of the Agilent ADS 2 system and its seamless integration with ICP-MS and ICP-OES workflows.

Optical fibers in ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy can enable measurements outside the traditional sample compartment. This paper details the components needed for fiber optic systems, such as couplers and probes, and reviews the performance of Agilent's Cary series instruments. It is crucial to choose the right fiber optic setup for a specific lab’s needs to ensure accurate and efficient measurements.

BLADE was used to digest various food samples, including those with high fat content, high protein content, and even high carbohydrate followed by analysis using ICP-MS.

BLADE was used to digest various food samples, including those with high fat content, high protein content, and even high carbohydrate followed by analysis using ICP-MS.

Heavy metals in baby food is a current topic near and dear to parents worldwide. In this app note, learn how to digest 5 g baby food samples in 5 mL of acid.

The C16767MA miniaturized ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer, developed by Hamamatsu, offers a groundbreaking solution for real-time, on-site water quality monitoring, replacing traditional, labor-intensive methods.

Melting point determination using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry can be used as a sequence-specific method for identifying therapeutic oligonucleotides in pharmaceutical quality control. This method offers a simple, highly selective approach to differentiate between isomers and ensure the integrity of oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products.

Transmittance and reflectance measurements, which are useful for estimating the effects of various physical processes, can include thermal treatments, ionizing radiation exposure, optical exposure, and mechanical treatments—on both crystals and thin films.

Confocal Raman microscopy enables detailed and non-destructive analysis of semiconductors. In the video we present the application of confocal Raman microscopy to analyze material characteristics including doping, stress fields, crystallinity and warpage of a 150 mm (6 inch) silicon carbide (SiC) wafer. To maintain this nanoscale-precision across the macroscopically large x and y dimensions of an entire wafer, we used the WITec alpha300 Semiconductor Edition Raman microscope.

Modular Raman imaging microscopes provide a toolset for configuring experiments that can integrate complementary methods and evolve along with individual requirements. Following an introduction to the theoretical background, Dr. Ievgeniia Iermak will describe several of its variations including 3D Raman imaging and optical profilometry-guided measurements. Examples will be provided to demonstrate Raman imaging’s chemical sensitivity, high resolution, ease of use, and versatility for pharmaceutical research.

A focus on optimizing sample preparation in food and feed analysis can improve laboratory efficiency, data quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Innovations like advanced microwave digestion and automated reagent handling can streamline workflows, improve safety, and ensure reliable analyses, ultimately supporting overall food safety.

Raman spectroscopy tracks hydrogen blending in gas turbines accurately and reliably, outperforming mass spectrometry with 100% uptime and easy adaptation for new fuels.