Application Notes: General

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.

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.

Transmission gratings open up many new options for the optical designer. In this tech note, we explore the benefits of transmission gratings over other types.

Characterizing biomolecules such as oligonucleotides and proteins is critical to better understanding biochemical and molecular processes. UV-Vis spectroscopy is widely used for stability studies, protein aggregation, DNA quantification and purity, and enzyme activity. The Cary 3500 UV-Vis offers advanced features to provide accurate and reproducible results.