Pittcon 2006 Showcase
GFS Chemicals uses its high purity acids to manufacture salts and solutions used in trace metal analysis.
High-purity salts and solutions
GFS Chemicals uses its high purity acids to manufacture salts and solutions used in trace metal analysis. According to the company, a metals basis purity of 99.999% characterizes many of its matrix modifiers and ionization buffers, such as NH4H2PO4, NH4NO3, Ni(NO3)2:6H2O, Mg(NO3)2:6H2O, Pd(NO3)2:H2O, LaCl3:7H2O, La(NO3)3:6H2O, KCl, KNO3, and LiNO3. GFS Chemicals, Inc., Powell, OH; www.gfschemicals.com
Solid-state laser
B&W TEK's BWN series solid-state laser offers real-time performance monitoring and self-healing functions. It features noise < 0.5%, output power of up to 100 mW, and a beam quality of M2 < 1.1. According to the company, the laser's operation parameters can be adjusted automatically or under external instructions to adapt to different environmental conditions. B&W Tek, Inc., Newark, DE; www.bwtek.com
Channel electron multipliers
BURLE Electro-Optics, Inc. announces its MAGNUM and Spiraltron channel electron multipliers that operate up to 20 milli-Torr pressure ranges with high gain and low noise. These models are well suited to field portable instruments and homeland security applications. The detectors enable lower cost and power consumption, with smaller and lighter instrument designs, while providing laboratory grade performance. BURLE Electro-Optics, Sturbridge, MA; www.burle-eo.com
Mass Spectrometer
The Agilent 6410 Triple Quad mass spectrometer is designed for femtogram-level sensitivity. It features a parameter-free integrator in the data analysis software that automatically calculates quantity and a single point of software control for both LC and MS instruments. Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA; www.agilent.com
Portable XRF analyzers
Innov-X's Alpha Series handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzers are designed to provide fast, precise, and nondestructive elemental identification in materials ranging from plastics, soils, and alloys to liquids, powders, and coatings. Applications include electronics RoHS/WEEE screening, scrap metal recycling, quality assurance of precious metals, and environmental monitoring. Innov-X Systems, Woburn, MA; www.innov-xsys.com
EDXRF spectrometer
The MiniPal 4 EDXRF bench-top spectrometer from PANalytical performs nondestructive analysis of elements in concentrations ranging from 100% down to parts-per-million levels. The spectrometer features a high-resolution silicon drift detector and software that reportedly simplifies application set-up and data handling. PANalytical, Natick, MA; www.panalytical.com
Cuvettes
Ocean Optics offers ALine's FluoroVettes UV-transparent, microvolume disposable cuvettes for fluorescence analysis. They have a 50-μL contained volume, transmit UV light to 220 nm, and are available in versions designed for loading the sample with a pipetter or connecting to a pump for flow studies. Ocean Optics, Dunedin, FL; www.oceanoptics.com
Solid-state lasers
Melles Griot introduces the 85 BCD series of blue DPSS lasers, which are CDRH- and CE-compliant versions of the company's Kyma 488 nm lasers. According to the company, the lasers produce up to 20 mW of output power at 488.0 nm, and the lasers' output beam is linearly polarized, nearly circular (1.1:1 aspect ratio), and has an M2 factor of less than 1.2. The compact, conduction-cooled laser head incorporates thermoelectric cooling and automatic power control. Power drift reportedly is less than 5% over 24 h. Melles Griot, Carlsbad, CA; www.mellesgriot.com
UV–Vis spectrophotometer
Thermo Electron's Evolution 600 UV-Vis spectrophotometer is designed for material science, life science, and general research analyses. The instrument is reportedly capable of analyzing virtually any sample such as optical components, thin film, glass, and plastics. The instrument offers a wide range of accessories for analyzing solid samples including a diffuse reflectance accessory and a VN absolute specular reflectance accessory. Thermo Electron Corporation, Waltham, MA; www.thermo.com
FT-Raman microscope
Bruker Optics' RamanScope FT-Raman microscope is designed to be coupled to the company's FT-Raman spectrometers for fluorescence-free, nondestructive analysis of microscopic samples. It can be combined with the company's grating-based dispersive Raman microscope to provide excitation wavelengths ranging from 1064 nm to 488 nm on a single microscope. Bruker Optics Inc., Billerica, MA; www.brukeroptics.com
ICP spectrometer
The ICP ACTIVA ICP spectrometer is designed to perform simultaneous analysis of multiple lines for all elements with background. According to the company, it offers a selection of wavelengths ranging from 165 to 800 nm, low dark current and readout noise that extends the measurement dynamic range to five orders, and a spectral resolution inferior to 9 pm to 440 nm. Horiba Jobin Yvon, Edison, NJ; www.jyhoriba.com
NIR integrating sphere
PIKE Technologies' NIR IntegratIR integrating sphere is said to provide high performance qualitative and quantitative analysis of a wide variety of samples. The integrating sphere contains a fully integrated indium-gallium-arsenide detector. Options include a rotating stage for averaging large samples and an automated transmission stage for pharmaceutical tablet analysis. PIKE Technologies, Madison, WI; www.piketech.com
Echelle spectrograph
The SpectraPro HRE echelle spectrograph from Princeton Instruments/Acton is designed for general spectroscopy as well as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The spectrograph is designed to sample continuously wavelengths ranging from 190 to 1050 nm. The spectrograph is designed to work with the company's camera systems and to be controlled by the company's WinSpec software. Princeton Instruments/Acton, Trenton, NJ; www.piacton.com
Table-top press
International Crystal Labs introduces the E-Z Quick Table Top press. It is constructed from stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, and anodized aluminum. According to the company, the press mounts vertically, which enables the use of body weight and shoulder muscles. The press uses the 7-, 4-, and 2-mm die sets that are used in the company's Quick Press and Port-A-Press presses. International Crystal Laboratories, Garfield, NJ; www.internationalcrystal.net
Cuvette
The TrayCell cuvette from Hellma reportedly uses the surface tension of 4 μL of sample to form a repeatable optical path of 1 mm +/- 0.02 mm. According to the company, it is compatible with most spectrophotometers, operates at temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 50 °C, and has a wavelength range of 190–800 nm. Applications include biotechnology, drug discovery, and forensics. Hellma, Plainview, NY; www.hellmaUSA.com
Elemental analyzer
The Eagle III XPL micro-EDXRF spectrometer from EDAX is now available with an optional primary-beam-filter accessory that reportedly improves detection limits. The spectrometer uses capillary optics, CCD video imaging cameras, and a motorized xyz stage for nondestructive small-spot analysis correlated with video imaging. Features include simultaneous detection of elements ranging from Na through U, and little or no sample preparation requirements. Typical applications include forensics, failure analysis, coating thickness-composition measurement, quality control, and chemical imaging. EDAX, Mahwah, NJ; www.edax.com
ICP product brochure
Teledyne Leeman Labs announces the release of a new product brochure describing the company's Prism ICP high dispersion ICP spectrometer. Teledyne Leeman Labs, Hudson, NH; www.leemanlabs.com
Cleaning validation system
Remspec Corporation offers its ValveView system for spectroscopic analysis of the interior surfaces of small parts such as valves and nozzles. The system uses mid-IR fiber optics to deliver IR signal to the inside of objects held in an adjustable jig, allowing examination for cleaning validation and surface characterization. Remspec Corporation, Sturbridge, MA; www.remspec.com
Dissolution tester
Jasco's model DT-810 dissolution tester is designed to provide fully automated dissolution testing of up to eight samples with either the standard paddle method or the optional rotating-basket method. The tester offers a circular design for uniform water temperature and an automatic centering mechanism that provides hands-free positioning of the dissolution vessels and drive shafts. Jasco, Inc., Easton, MD; www.jascoinc.com
Multi-element standards
SPEX CertiPrep manufactures custom standards based upon customers' concentration requirements. Standards are made in a variety of sizes and for every product line that the company offers. You can get a standard for AA, ICP, ICP-MS, IC, GC, GC-MS, or HPLC. SPEX also manufactures oil standards or quality control and proficiency testing samples. Larger volume customs will be packaged into smaller bottles to reduce the possibility of contamination. All customs come with the a comprehensive certificate. SPEX CertiPrep, Metuchen, NJ; www.spexcsp.com
Spectrophotometer software
NanoDrop's version 3.2 software for its model ND-1000 UV/Vis spectrophotometer reportedly allows better measurement of 1-μL samples. The software features a data viewer that lets users overlay current and archived spectra, plot data from archived files, choose which fields will be displayed, change incorrect sample names, and save user-configured reports. NanoDrop Technologies Inc., Wilmington, DE; www.nanodrop.com
Raman microscope
Renishaw offers its Raman microscope with additional confocal laser scanning microscopy capabilities. The confocal laser scanning (CLS) microscope is designed to combine the imaging, resolution, contrast, and optical sectioning capabilities of CLS microscopy with the characterization power of Raman spectroscopy. Renishaw, Hoffman Estates, IL; www.renishaw.com
ICP rinse accessory
Glass Expansion's Niagara Rapid Rinse accessory is designed to shorten the analysis cycle time of an unattended ICP spectrometer run. The accessory begins the rinsing of the nebulizer and spray chamber the instant the sample measurement is completed and continues to rinse until the next sample is ready. Glass Expansion, Inc., Pocasset, MA; www.geicp.com
GC-TOF-MS
The Pegasus IV GC-TOFMS system from LECO combines a time-of-flight MS system with the company's ChromaTOF software. According to the company, the instrument offers high acquisition rates and processing speed for increasing sample throughput. LECO Corporation, St. Joseph, MI; www.leco.com
Raman spectrometer
The VERAX Raman spectrometer from InPhotonics is a fiber-coupled system designed for laboratory analyses, ranging from research to rapid sample verification to process development. The instrument, which can be used with the company's RamanProbe models, is configured for 785-nm excitation, offers 4 cm-1 spectral resolution, and spans the 230–1800 cm-1 region. Different range/resolution combinations are available in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions to be used with various excitation lasers. InPhotonics, Inc., Norwood, MA; www.inphotonics.com
Spectrometer
Newport Corporation's Helios transient absorption spectrometer is designed for the study of ultrafast phenomena such as electronic deactivation, intersystem crossing, vibrational relaxation, internal conversion, and intra-molecular electron transfer. The completely turn-key instrument has an experimental time window of 150 fs to 3.2 ns and covers wavelengths of 350 to 1600 nm. Newport Corporation, Irvine, CA. www.newport.com
Mass spectrometer
Thermo Electron's LTQ Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer is designed for small molecule research, drug discovery, proteomics, metabolite identification, and metabolomics. According to the company, the instrument provides intensity-independent mass accuracy and requires no internal calibration. Thermo Electron, Waltham, MA; www.thermo.com
High-voltage module
Spellman High Voltage introduces the model MX10 high-voltage module for mass spectrometry. The DC-DC converter features hot switchable polarity reversal at 10 kV between 100 and 250 ms, and low peak-to-peak ripple performance. Applications include security detection systems, LC–TOF dynodes, sample ionization, as well as capillary electrophoresis and electrostatic printing. Spellman High Voltage, Hauppauge, NY. www.spellmanhv.com
MALDI-TOF-TOF system
Bruker Daltonics introduces the ultraflex II MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer can be used with the company's Prespotted AnchorChip targets in industry-standard microtiter plate format, and can be fully integrated into the company's Pioneer expression proteomics system for peptide mass fingerprinting, peptide fragment analysis, and posttranslational modifications analysis. Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA. www.bdal.com
Spectroscopic camera
Andor Technology's Newton electron multiplication CCD camera is designed to provide fast detection and single-photon sensitivity. According to the company, the camera's sensors have the ability to amplify very low light signals above the read noise floor of the CCD. The camera operates at readout speeds as high as 2.5 MHz. Other features include thermoelectric cooling to temperatures as low as -100 °C, a hard metal hermetic vacuum-seal, and a peak quantum efficiency of 95%. Andor Technology, Belfast, UK; www.andor.com
Fiber-optic sources
Analytical Instrument Systems offers its line of deuterium and deuterium–tungsten–halogen combination sources for fiber-optic spectroscopy. The model D-1000 and DT-1000 sources have wavelength output ranges of 190–850 nm. Options include a neutral density filter for added control over light output and electronic shutters for decreased exposure of fibers to UV light. Analytical Instrument Systems, Flemington, NJ. www.aishome.com
Hydraulic presses
The Atlas Auto T25 and T8 presses from Specac are programmable, microprocessor-controlled, power-assisted hydraulic presses, operating up to 25 tons and 8 tons respectively. They are fully CE marked, have a software capacity of six programs with up to 10 segments each, and can accommodate samples sizes of up to 200 mm in diameter with a working daylight of 155 mm maximum between two pressing surfaces. Pressing applications include XRF and infrared sample preparation. Specac, Woodstock, GA. www.specac.com
Raman spectrometer
Avalon Instruments' RamanMicro-EM confocal Raman spectrometer combines the company's Echelle spectrometer, an EMCCD camera, and laser options. It is said to be 30 times faster than equivalent systems, and acquire complete Raman spectra, from 100 to 4000 cm-1 , in a few hours. The instrument is designed to minimize sample heating from 785 nm laser. Avalon Instruments, Boston, MA. www.avaloninst.com
MS system
Applied Biosystems, together with its partner MDS Sciex, introduces the API 5000 LC—MS-MS system, the latest addition to its API family of triple-quadrupole analyzers. The system reportedly can achieve an average ninefold increase in sensitivity and a fourfold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio when compared with other instruments. Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA. www.appliedbiosystems.com
Imaging system software
Spectral Dimensions and Horiba Jobin Yvon introduce ISys software for processing chemical images with Horiba's imaging systems. The software supports robust assessment of image data, according to the company, and is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. Features include data preprocessing, advanced chemometrics, and data visualization tools. Horiba Jobin Yvon, Edison, NJ; www.jyhoriba.com
Fiber optic spectrometers
StellarNet's miniature fiber-optic spectrometers, coupled with the company's optic sampling accessories and SpectraWizR software are designed for light measurement applications in the UV-Vis-NIR ranges. The instruments' multiple channel systems span wavelengths ranging from 190 nm to 2100 nm. StellarNet, Tampa, FL. www.stellarnet-inc.com
Spectrometer
Avantes' AvaSpec-3648-USB2 spectrometer supports an integration time ranging from 10 μs to 10 min (in steps of 10 μs) for applications such as LIBS and plasma monitoring. According to the company, the spectrometer has 3648 pixels resolution to cover the 200–1100 nm wavelength range and an FWHM resolution of 0.025 nm. The spectrometer reportedly allows precise online monitoring and a spectrum transfer time of 3.7 ms. Avantes, Boulder, CO; www.avantes.com
Product catalog
Semrock's 36-page color catalog for 2006 presents products in five families for applications ranging from fluorescence instrumentation and microscopy to Raman instrumentation and biomedical laser systems. New products include BrightLine fluorescence multiband filters, new wavelengths of the RazorEdge Raman filters, and additional wavelengths in the StopLine laser-blocking filter series and the MaxLine laser-line filter family. Tutorial material about the applications of these optical filters is included. Semrock, Rochester, NY; www.semrock.com
Digestion system
SCP Science's DigiPREP HT high-temperature digestion system includes a heating system that reaches temperatures as high as 450 °C. It features a built-in reflux zone that reportedly provides faster digestion. A coated graphite block and PTFE exhaust manifold system are designed to provide corrosion and acid resistance. The system is available in 40-tube (100-mL) and 20-tube (250-mL) models. SCP Science, Champlain, NY; www.scpscience.com
Diode lasers
The 56 RCS series of diode laser assemblies from Melles Griot provide output wavelengths of 408 nm (>50 mW), 442 nm (>36 mW), or 638 nm (>28 mW). The platform reportedly incorporates advanced optics positioning techniques with far field circularity of >95 %, precisely controlled beam divergence, and accurate waist location. The instruments are equipped with a user interface that includes an hour meter and diagnostic LEDs. Melles Griot, Carlsbad, CA; www.mellesgriot.com
ICP emission spectrometers
Thermo Electron's iCAP 6300 and 6500 ICP emission spectrometers are designed to be the most compact ICP emission spectrometers available on the market. The spectrometers feature the company's charge injection device detector; a high-power, solid-state RF generator; a distributed purge system; and automated wavelength calibration. Thermo Electron, Waltham, MA; www.thermo.com
XRF analyzer
The SPECTRO iQ polarized XRF analyzer for multielement detection of solids, powders, and liquids is designed for applications in which high precision and accuracy are required for process control purposes. The analyzer features C-Force optics, which reportedly provide levels of sensitivity for elements such as Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl. Specific analyzers are available for the analysis of additives in oils, cement, slags, and refractories. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, Inc., Marlborough, MA; www.spectro.com
Spectrometers
PerkinElmer's Spectrum 100 FT-IR and 100N FT-NIR spectrometers are designed with a UATR accessory that is designed to offer higher efficiencies for the analysis of a wide range of samples. The instruments also feature a fiber-optic NIT probe, an updated version of the company's Spectrum and AssureID software packages, and a Go Button feature, which reportedly allows continuous analyses of multiple samples at the instrument. PerkinElmer, Wellesley, MA; www.perkinelmer.com
Custom standards
Inorganic Ventures offers its line of custom standards. Designed to perform with efficient precision, the standards come with a certificate of analysis, which is included to provide chemists with the information they'll need to achieve successful analyses. Inorganic Ventures, Lakewood, NJ; www.inorganicventures.com
Atomic Absorption spectrometers
Teledyne Leeman Labs introduces a new approach to Zeeman background correction in its Z-2000 series of atomic absorption spectrometers. The spectrometers' dual detection system allows the instruments to simultaneously monitor both total absorbance and background absorbance, said to result in more accurate correction under all conditions. Teledyne Leeman Labs, Hudson, NH; www.leemanlabs.com
Spectroscopic ellipsometer
JA Woollam introduces the MASE spectroscopic ellipsometer, which is designed to simplify multiple-angle measurements. The instrument includes beam steering optics and provides data automatically at three angles of incidence. The instrument simultaneously measures a full spectrum from the UV to the NIR. Options include integrated focusing optics and automated sample translation for mapping. JA Woollam, Lincoln, NE; www.jawoollam.com
Chemistry software
ACD/Labs' ACD/Web Librarian version 9 is designed to be web browser-based software for sharing and viewing spectral, chromatographic, and chemical data. The software reportedly supports over 130 file formats and allows chemists to view, search, and create reports. According to the company, the new version offers viewing of hyphenated data and enhanced spectral searching and viewing of the company's cross-technique databases. Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc., Toronto, Canada; www.acdlabs.com
Digital pulse processor
Amptek's PX4 reportedly combines a digital pulse processor, a power supply, a shaping amplifier, and a multichannel analyzer. It is compatible with the company's XR-100 detectors and detectors from other manufacturers. The processor is software-driven and has 24 programmable peaking times between 0.8 and 102 μs. Amptek, Inc. Bedford, MA; www.amptek.com
Portable IR spectrometer
The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer utilizes a detector array with linear variable filter. Features include no optical path through air, no moving parts, light weight (under 5 lbs.), portability (battery operated), and ruggedness. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer is well suited for use in plant or field locations where it is not feasible or economical to use FT-IR instruments. Wilks Enterprise, Inc., South Norwalk, CT; www.wilksir.com
Micro- and nanoscale products
Upchurch Scientific's micro- and nanoscale products include the nano flow sensor, which measures and displays flow rates from –1000 to +8000 nL/min; connections for MS and other applications, such as microtees and microcrosses; and titanium frits with 0.2-μm porosity that can be used for filtering biological agents for spectrographic analyses. Upchurch Scientific, Oak Harbor, WA; www.upchurch.com
Fluorescence spectrophotometer
Hitachi High Technologies America's F-7000 fluorescence spectrophotometer is designed to provide a signal-to-noise ratio of 800 and a scanning rate of 60,000 nm/min. The spectrometer has width, depth, and height dimensions of 620, 520, and 300 mm, respectively. It complies with the FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 regulations. Fluorescence applications include industrial, environmental, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology. Hitachi High Technologies America, San Jose, CA; www.hitachi-hta.com
UV–vis-NIR spectrophotometer
Shimadzu's UV-3600 spectrophotometer is equipped with three detectors, which are designed to ensure high sensitivity over the entire measurement range and help achieve a noise level of <0.00003 Abs noise at 1500 nm. A high-performance double monochromator reportedly ensures ultra-low stray light at high resolution. A measurement range of 185–3300 nm enables analysis in a variety of applications. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Columbia, MD; www.ssi.shimadzu.com
ATR accessory
The AccessATR from Harrick Scientific is designed for ATR measurements of solid, liquid and paste samples. The accessory is equipped with a built-in trough to contain liquids and a press for solid sampling. Harrick Scientific Products, Inc., Ossining, NY; www.harricksci.com
LC–MS gas generation system
Parker Balston introduces the SOURCE LCMS-5000 LC-MS gas generation system, which produces nitrogen, zero air and exhaust pump gases. It combines a compressor with coalescing filters, catalysts, and hollow-fiber membranes to produce these gases. Parker Hannifin Corporation, Haverhill, MA; www.parker.com
Cross-flow nebulizer
The X-Flow nebulizer from Savillex is designed to be the only 100% PFA cross-flow nebulizer available for ICP-OES and ICP-MS applications. Compatible with all ICP instruments, the nebulizer reportedly is chemically resistant to virtually all matrices and offers exceptional durability. According to the company, the nebulizer is well suited for the latest cell-based ICP-MS instruments, as well as high throughput environmental, clinical or geological applications requiring fast washout times. Savillex Corporation, Minnetonka, MN; www.savillex.com
Synthesizing Synthetic Oligonucleotides: An Interview with the CEO of Oligo Factory
February 6th 2024LCGC and Spectroscopy Editor Patrick Lavery spoke with Oligo Factory CEO Chris Boggess about the company’s recently attained compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Expert Working Group (Q7) guidance and its distinction from Research Use Only (RUO) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485 designations.
