Pittcon 2011 New Product Review
Our yearly review of the hottest products at Pittcon
A perennial pre- and post-Pittcon theme is how well the conference is doing. Especially in these days of web-based marketing, the concern on everybody's mind is whether large shows like Pittcon are still viable. We can only go by the attendance figures. The final total attendance was 17,199, up slightly from 16,876 in 2010 (both numbers are from the Pittcon website).
There also appeared to be an increased presence of companies manufacturing spectrometers and related equipment. My own unscientific assessment of this is based on the number of business cards I obtain when I visit the booths of vendors of spectroscopy-related equipment. In 2009, the stack I collected measured 1.75-in. thick, my 2010 stack was 1.5-in. thick, and this year it was a whopping 2.5-in. thick. I don't think the increased number of cards was a result of increased diligence on my part, so I conclude that there must have been more spectroscopy companies present, even more relative to the total number of companies. There were certainly new exhibitors this year, a number of which were under a large sign saying "new exhibitors." Of course, not all the new exhibitors were spectroscopy firms, but neither were all the new spectroscopy-related companies under that sign; they were well-scattered throughout the exhibit hall.
As usual, this listing of new spectroscopy products introduced at Pittcon indicates whether a given instrument is for the laboratory (that is, fixed location), portable, or field deployable (that is, handheld). In some cases, especially for portable instruments, we also include their size or weight, to give the reader a more precise idea of just how portable a unit is.
Indeed, the trends toward decreasing instrument size and the increasing presence of smaller instruments continue. The need for such instruments seems unlikely to abate. Although most of the usual categories were represented again this year, one category that disappeared from last year is "First Responders." There weren't enough dedicated units directed at that market to warrant a separate category, so I listed any such units under their spectroscopy type (mid-IR, Raman, and so forth). Of course, many of the portable or handheld instruments might be useful for first responders.
A number of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) manufacturers were represented, in contrast to last year's single manufacturer. On the other hand, this is the first Pittcon that I've covered for Spectroscopy where I found a company exhibiting an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer.
As usual, I organized this review according to the wavelength region and type of spectroscopy involved. I tried to arrange it to allow readers to more easily compare instruments from different manufacturers. The categories used (in alphabetical order) are
Accessories
Atomic Spectroscopy
Components
ESR
Fluorescence
Imaging
Mass Spectrometry
Mid-IR
NIR
NMR
Raman
Software
Terahertz Spectroscopy
UV–Visible
X-ray (which includes all shorter-wavelength methods)
Some categories (accessories, components, imaging, and software) include products that also might arguably be classified under another categories. For example, a Raman imaging spectrometer might be found under "Raman" or under "Imaging." I try to be consistent, but can't guarantee perfection. If a product is not found in an expected category, others should be checked. Companies in each category are listed alphabetically, as are the categories themselves. I also endeavored to provide a synopsis of salient features for each product, or at least as much as could be included in limited space.
ACCESSORIES
Applied Separations
Product: SCF-Spec supercritical fluid spectroscope, an in-vessel probe for NIR, UV–vis
For: Laboratory and process applications
Measurement mode: Model reflection
Suggested applications: Evaluate and control an ongoing supercritical fluid process
Primary benefits: Can be used for real time feedback to a supercritical fluid extraction or reaction. It allows the process to be controlled based on the absorbance of the in-vessel reactions.
Special features: First in-vessel high-pressure spectrophotometer on the market
Avian Technologies LLC
Product: AT-FTS whiteness standards
For: Laboratory or process applications
Description: For calibration of color-measuring spectrophotometers and visual assessment of brightness in paper, plastics, and textiles
Primary benefits: Durable, stable, available in a wide range of whiteness values
Special features: Available as sets of a wide range of brightness or whiteness or as single standards. Can be machined to fit custom applications. Only available standards for this purpose
Axiom Analytical, Inc.
Product: DPR-230 attenuated total reflection (ATR) probe (sample compartment–mounted probe for FT-IR spectroscopy)
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: ATR
Special features: Convenient articulated operation, high transmission, broad mid-IR spectral response
Product: FCV-150 fiber-optic coupled cuvette sampler for visible through NIR transmission
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Transmission
Special features: Accommodates cuvettes with 1–50 mm pathlengths. Includes precise temperature control with preheating zone.
Cetac Technologies
Product: LSX-213 G2 laser ablation system
For: Laboratory analysis
Dimensions: 69 × 46 × 51 cm
Description: Laser ablation system at 213-nm wavelength for use with inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) instruments.
Suggested applications: Direct analysis of virtually any solid sample including geological thin sections, forensic samples, plastics, industrial materials, marine (shells, coral, otoliths), and biological tissue mapping.
Primary benefits: Improved viewing capabilities allow for better than 2-µm optical resolution for small feature analysis and fluid inclusions.
Special features: Open-architecture design allows for a variety of customized sample cells. Rugged optical platform provides mobility between host ICP-MS instruments.
Gasera Ltd
Product: PA101 photoacoustic gas analysis module
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Photoacoustic
Description: Fits into the sample compartment of common laboratory FT-IR instruments and includes a photoacoustic gas cell with an embedded gas exchange unit, which automates the gas sampling. Total system volume is <30 mL, enabling infrared gas analysis from low volume samples. High sensitivity is obtained by using Gasera's patented optical microphone based on a sensitive silicon MEMS cantilever sensor coupled with a laser interferometer to measure microscopic movement of the cantilever sensor resulting in sub-part-per-million level detection limits.
Suggested applications: Headspace analysis, gaseous reaction product monitoring, decomposition analysis, wet samples, gas measurements requiring high dynamic range.
Primary benefits: The photoacoustic signal is generated only from the absorption, resulting in a zero-background technology. Therefore, drifts in the alignment of the interferometer optics have only minimal effect to the gas spectra.
Special features: Includes a programmable gas exchange unit, which allows automated gas exchange procedure to be programmed into a single-shot mode or a repeated mode. Low sample volume, wide dynamic range, short optical pathlength, automated gas exchange, no frequent background measurement required.
Glass Expansion, Inc.
Product: Assist Enhanced Productivity Accessory (for ICP-optical emission spectroscopy [OES], ICP-MS)
For: Automation and streamlining of laboratory processes
Measurement mode: Emission or mass/charge intensity
Description: Delivers both sample and internal standard with precision syringe drives; automatically performs dilutions of up to 20×. High productivity, precise, and accurate dilution. Customized to operate the Assist with most commercially available plasma spectrometers. Can be used with any plasma spectrometer and autosampler combination that uses serial communication.
Suggested applications: ICP-MS applications, wear metals in used engine, oils with on-line dilution, speeding up environmental analyses, automating the dilution and analysis of oils for wear metals determination, direct analysis of seawater via heavy metal extraction.
Primary benefits: Provides better precision than typical pump-driven systems because of the high consistency of the dual-syringe pumping system.
Special features: Uses a customized low-dead-volume switching valve to minimize carryover.
Product: DuraMist concentric nebulizer
For: Aspirating samples into an ICP
Measurement mode: Emission and mass/charge intensity
Suggested applications: Any sample containing hydrofluoric acid
Primary benefits: An economical way to determine metals in samples containing HF. Constructed of PEEK so that it is HF resistant. Can be used in any equipment where a liquid aerosol is required. Compatible with any spray chamber that accommodates a 6-mm o.d. nebulizer.
Harrick Scientific Products, Inc.
Product: VideoMVP FT-IR spectrometer accessory
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: ATR
Description: A state-of-the-art FT-IR diamond ATR system. The integrated camera allows viewing of the sample through the clear, mechanically mounted monolithic diamond ATR element. The sample can be analyzed and its image stored along with the spectrum and viewed on the data station terminal or on the standard LCD display with enhanced 120× magnification.
Special features: Patented crowned hemispherical ATR design, making intimate contact with the hardest materials easy, and the smallest 500-µm sampling size. The optical design has a spectral range throughout the mid-IR and into the far-IR, without the need for an MCT detector.
Product: Temperature controller
For: Laboratory analysis
Description: A full-featured tabletop unit for a variety of applications in which control of heatable spectroscopic accessories is required. Can be manually programmed to reach the desired temperature or computer-controlled for sophisticated temperature profiling. The controller automatically determines the best settings for optimal heating based on the thermal response of a particular system. It features two temperature sensor inputs and one low-voltage heater output for standard or cascade operation.
Product: Flat-Top high temperature reaction chamber
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Reflection
Description: Intended for use in Raman and FT-IR microscopes. Has a single window and a low profile for compatibility with microscope instrumentation. The chamber allows environments with temperatures up to 910 °C and with pressures from 10–6 to 2200 Torr. An optional SiloTek (Restek) performance coating is available. Compatible with Harrick's low-voltage temperature controller.
Product: Reflectance Reference for Mid-IR
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Reflection
Description: Provides a method for calculating the reflectivity of a material from its spectrum in the 5000–400 cm-1 region. Compatible with the Harrick Seagull, Variable Angle Reflection accessory, Near-Normal Incidence Reflectance accessory, and External Reflection accessory.
Suggested applications: Determining the efficiencies of optical coatings and the quality of metal finishes. Allows reflectivities to be obtained at different wavelengths, angles, and polarizations.
Product: High Force Ge ATR Sample Holder for Seagull
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: ATR
Description: Allows the high contact force between the sample and the Ge ATR element required for grazing-angle monolayer studies. Provides an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity for monolayers when compared with conventional specular reflection methodologies.
Suggested applications: Analysis of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold, thin photoresists on silicon, and various adsorbed species on metal and semiconductor substrates.
Leap Technologies
Product: ARCH fiber-optic dip probe
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Measurement mode: Transmission
Suggested applications: Dissolution
Special features: Size, shape, and displacement reduce interference with dissolution testing. Available pathlengths from 0.25 mm to 10 mm.
Milestone, Inc.
Product: Ultrawave microwave digestion labstation
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Preparation of samples for trace metals analysis
Primary benefits: Run mixed samples, batches, and chemistries; use disposable vessels; minimize reagent blank; eliminate microwave vessel assembly/disassembly; digest difficult sample types, large sample sizes of organic materials, and almost any sample type given the extreme temperature (300 °C) and pressure (199 bar) specifications.
Special features: The single reaction chamber (SRC) technology removes many of the challenges associated with conventional closed-vessel microwave digestion systems, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Complements trace metals analysis via ICP-OES or ICP-MS.
Photon Machines
Product: Analyte G2
For: Laboratory analysis
Description: Laser ablation solid sampling accessory for ICP-OES, ICP-MS, noble gas MS, and IR-MD.
Suggested applications: Direct spatially resolved analysis of any solid sample, such as particle analysis, geological sample analysis and mapping, and tissue sample analysis and mapping.
Primary benefits: Best combined spatial and aerosol resolution of solid samples. Analyst can use imaging techniques, such as SEM, which highlight areas not visible by conventional light microscopy.
Special features: Sampling fractionation is minimized by the short wavelength (193 nm) homogenized laser beam, high resolution to bulk sampling (<3–250 µm), and large format and high-volume sample cell with fast washout (<700 ms to 1%). The HelEx two-volume sample cell is available with dimensions up to 6 × 6 in. but with uniquely fast washout (<700 ms to 1%).
SCP Science
Product: Novawave microwave digestion system
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Digestion of various food matrices, soil samples, and plastics
Primary benefits: Dramatic improvement in sample throughput and speed of digestion, reduced labor and human intervention
Special features: USB ethernet port connectivity for data processing and storage; individual sample temperature control and monitoring, seamless microwave power with no duty cycle, built-in EPA, and DIN methods
Siskiyou Corporation
Product: CBH-1 with FLG-SMA2 fiber-optic output
For: Laboratory analysis
Description: Allows simple addition of fiber-optic spectrometer to most microscopes. With Siskiyou's microscope platform, enables on-line spectrometric measurements in the smallest possible space. Fiber-optic output can be located wherever there is a C-mount.
Measurement mode: Reflection or transmission, with optional cuvette holder
Special features: Retrofittable to most infinity-corrected microscopes.
Spex CertiPrep
Product: 55-Element ICP-MS check standard (CL-QC-55)
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: ICP-MS. Standard and blank available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Check standard and QC for ICP-MS instrumentation
Special features: 50 µg/L concentration of 55 elements
Product: Extractable Metals in Plastic Toy Standards – Kit 1 (EMPT-1A and EMPT-1B)
For: Laboratory and process applications
Measurement mode: ICP, ICP-MS
Suggested applications: Standard to quantitate heavy metals in plastic toys.
Product: Extractable Metals in Plastic Toy Standards – Kit 2 (EMPT-1A and EMPT-1B) and Internal Check Standard (INT-EM1)
For: Laboratory and process applications
Measurement mode: ICP, ICP-MS
Suggested applications: Quantitation of heavy metals in plastic toys
Special features: Includes internal check standard. EMPT-1A and EMPT-1B available without internal standard as kit EMPT-1.
Product: RoHS/WEEE Check Standard
For: Laboratory and process applications
Measurement mode: ICP, ICP-MS
Suggested applications: Quantitation of metals from waste electronics or heavy metals in polyethylene matrix
Special features: Can be pressed for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and digested for ICP and ICP-MS analysis
Product: Polyethylene Matrix Standard for phthalates and BPA in polyethylene
For: Laboratory and process applications
Measurement mode: Standard for extraction and gas chromatography (GC) and GC–MS. Blank and PE standard available separately.
Suggested application: Calculation of extraction efficiency
Spex SamplePrep
Product: 6970EFM freezer/mill
For: Laboratory sample preparation
Suggested applications: Forensics, pharmaceutical testing, food testing, RoHS/WEEE testing, polymer grinding.
Primary benefits: Enclosed system prevents LN exposure.
Special features: Increased throughput; up to eight standard or two large vials.
S.T. Japan, Inc.
Product: Micro TouchPick pen sample handler
For: Laboratory analysis; portable
Description: World's first tool capable of picking up small samples such as thin films, chips, and forensic samples that are difficult to manipulate with tweezers. Uses a special adhesive that leaves no detectable residue remaining on the sample.
Special features: Easy to use. Includes two pens for use with a range of sample sizes.
VHG Labs
Product: Certified reference materials for biodiesel
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Analysis of metals or sulfur in biodiesel, analysis of biodiesel blends by IR spectroscopy
Primary benefits: Purity of the biodiesel fuel, accuracy of biodiesel, or diesel fuel blend composition
Product: Natural water certified reference material
For: Laboratory analysis
Special features: Elemental concentrations certified by inter laboratory study.
Suggested application: Control sample for natural water
Primary benefits: Excellent control sample for environmental testing; similar to NIST SRM 1643e
Product: RoHS calibration standards for XRF
For: Laboratory analysis
Special features: In addition to the RoHS elements (Br, CD, Cr, Hg, Pb), these standard contain certified concentrations of As, Cl, S, Sb, Sn, and Zn for the analysis of additives and catalyst residues in polyolefins.
Suggested application: Control sample for natural water, for use with AS F2617-08 in the analysis of polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene by XRF
Special features: Homogeneity, accuracy, and precision over a wide range of concentrations
Product: V-Flux high-purity fusion fluxes
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested application: Sample preparation for materials like cement, glass, and ore that are difficult to press into a pellet or difficult to dissolve in acid
Primary benefits: High purity, homogeneous, uniform particle composition
Product: V-Solv ICP solvent
Special features: High purity (essentially no trace metals or sulfur), low odor (no kerosene or aromatic smell), low toxicity, and non hazardous to ship
Suggested application: For use as a matrix blank and as a diluent for calibration standards and samples for ICP analysis
Special features: Makes very stable dilutions of metallo-organic standards and oil samples.
ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
Analytik Jena AG
Product: ContrAA spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Absorbance and emission
Suggested applications: Metals with difficult interferences
Primary benefits: High resolution and better background correction capability, capable of molecular absorbance spectrometry applications
Special features: Direct solid sampling capable; unique single xenon light source eliminates need for individual HCLs. Uses a CCD detector that captures full spectrum ~2 nm around the abs/emission line of interest to permit universal background correction. Able to run multielement sequential analyses in FAAS mode.
Nippon Instruments Corporation
Product: Model EMP-2 mercury survey meter atomic absorption spectrometer and mercury detector
For: Handheld applications
Dimensions: 10.4 × 5.1 × 4.3 in, <4 lb.
Measurement mode: Atomic absorption
Suggested applications: Mercury in ambient air in the workplace, location of mercury spills, quick field tests for fresh/drinking waters
Primary benefits: True atomic absorption reading with interference subtraction mode, easy operation, and portability with compliance to the three-point rule in factories. Data is saved on sd-card for quick transfer to Excel.
Special features: Battery and AC power capable, easily portable, touch-screen operation; Liquid attachment for quick field tests on fresh/drinking waters
Photon Machines
Product: Insight LIBS spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process analysis. System is modular and can be made portable.
Suggested applications: Analysis of any solid sample. Specific applications include particle analysis, metal and ceramic analysis, geological sample analysis, tissue sample analysis, and biomarker identification.
Primary benefits: The spectroscopist targets the sample, ablates, and analyses. The system provides the flexibility to analyze a wide range of samples (conducting and nonconducting with small to large spot sizes) for elements across the entire periodic table.
Special features: Speed, spectral range, and spatial resolution. User interface permits sample targeting using sample maps generated by SEM and other surface analysis techniques. The AddLIBS data-processing software includes full spectral recognition tools and chemometric methods to make the analysis accurate.
Teledyne Leeman Labs
Product: Hydra II AF and Hydra II AF Gold mercury analyzers
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Environmental, food, coal, pharmaceutical. Primarily for liquid samples.
Primary benefits: The Hydra II AF mercury analyzer uses simple fluorescence, provides a detection limit of 0.1 ppt or less, and is designed for laboratories that use EPA Method 245.7 or European Standard EN 13506. Uses a switchable gold amalgamation system for preconcentration that satisfies the demanding quality control requirements of EPA Method 1631 and European Standard 12338, while consuming less sample, creating less waste, and running much faster than its predecessors. Both analyzers use a short sample cycle and high capacity, 180-position autosampler to enhance the productivity of any laboratory involved in low-level mercury analysis.
Special features: The option to transition from cold vapor atomic fluorescence to cold vapor atomic absorption to satisfy compliance for the Safe Drinking Water Act. Has a wide dynamic range, unique over-range protection, high capacity autosampler, custom racks for QC, CVAAS option.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product: iCAP 6200 ICP-OES
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: ICP-OES
Description: An enhanced model in the iCAP 6000 Series ICP-OES range. The new model (comprising open architecture sample introduction system, high efficiency RF generator and plasma torch, compact echelle polychromator optical design, and charge injection device detector) will be sold with a PC as part of a complete instrument system and will typically include a liquid autosampler accessory.
Suggested applications: Food and consumer safety, environmental, mining, and WEEE/ROHS testing.
Primary benefits: Can measure sulfur as part of a multielement method and provide access to the most sensitive mercury, thallium, tin, phosphorus, arsenic, and iodine wavelengths. The optical design enables high light transmission for optimal analyte sensitivity and detection limit capabilities in the low or sub-part-per-billion range. RF generator technology enables powerful and rugged sample processing capability with new design features for enhanced product reliability.
Special features: Preconfigured sample handling kits for aqueous, hydrofluoric acid, organic/volatile organic, and high solids sample types; ceramic torch options for enhanced torch lifetimes when running demanding applications. Incorporates a wider wavelength range of 175–847 nm to measure a broader range of analytes during multielement analyses and access more sensitive wavelengths for improved analyte detection capability. The instrument features an optimized gas distribution system to minimize gas consumption and reduce running costs.
Supplied with a range of preloaded method templates and unlimited access to a new dynamic method online library to reduce the requirements for method development and enable new ICP-OES users to generate reliable, quantitative data with minimal training. Enables rapid removal of the torch center tube for routine maintenance operations without switching off the plasma to reduce instrument downtime.
COMPONENTS
Cal Sensors
Product: LMA (Linear Multiplexed Arrays) family of infrared detector arrays
For: Portable and laboratory applications
Measurement modes: Transmission and reflection
Suggested applications: Spectrometry and thermal imaging systems
Primary benefits: Highest sensitivity for wavelengths of operation across 1–3 µm or 1–5 µm spectral region; provides best measurement dynamic range.
Special features: Fast response, refined cooler control, compact. Control software included with array. Can be used in various imaging systems.
Daylight Solutions
Product: Uber Tuner for mid-IR lasers
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: PAT, hydrocarbon leak detection and analysis, explosive detection, mid-IR imaging.
Primary benefits: Higher power, better divergence, high (1 cm-1 ) resolution, hundreds of milliwatts, coverage from 3.2 to 12 µm (in multiple systems).
Special features: >2 µm of coverage from a single unit with >400 mW of power and <1 cm-1 resolution.
Energetiq Technology, Inc.
Product: EQ-99FC LDLS (laser-driven light source) for UV, visible, or NIR
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high performance spectroscopy, advanced imaging, microscope illuminators, environmental analysis, materials characterization and testing, gas phase measurements, process quality monitoring, applications requiring long lamp life
Primary benefits: Efficient, high performance elliptical collection optics. Very high brightness across complete spectrum from UV to vis to NIR (170–2100 nm). Eliminates need for multiple lamps (replaces D2/tungsten/xenon arc). Simplified optical system. Short- and long-term power stability, repeatable measurements, reduced consumables costs.
Special features: Ultracompact, high brightness, SMA fiber-coupled output to efficiently deliver light to small optical fibers, electrodeless operation for long lamp life. CW laser plasma discharge.
Excelitas Technologies
Product: PAX-10M 10-W precision-aligned pulsed xenon light sources for UV–vis–NIR illumination
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: Light source for absorption analysis, immunoassay modules, fluorimetry, spectroradiometery, liquid chromatography, colorimetry, and UV–vis–NIR applications.
Primary benefits: Precision arc alignment of a broadband (UV–vis–NIR) pulsed xenon light source in a compact, modular design with a remote flash head
Special features: Prealigned arc position precisely located relative to a datum feature on the mounting surface of the case, which allows for plug-and-play field replacement, eliminates alignment time, and reduces costs and machine down time. Delivers high radiant intensity over a continuous spectrum from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Provides a long life rating over a billion flashes and is available with user-selectable analog or digital intensity control.
GratingWorks, USA
Product: High-resolution mini-spectrometer (UV, vis, NIR)
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Special features: Can be configured as a UV, vis, NIR, or Raman spectrometer. Has an optical system with aberration corrector and original aberration corrected concave grating. Has highest spectral resolution and spatial resolution in a wide wavelength range with NA (≥0.22) in the industry.
Heraeus Noblelight, Inc.
Product: UV lamp components
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Description: UV lamps, deuterium, photoionization, tungsten halogen, xenon, mercury, hollow cathode
Suggested applications: HPLC, UV–vis spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, thin-layer chromatography, pollution monitors, solar simulation (MgF2 window), photoionizing light source (MgF2 window), film-thickness measurements, semiconductor inspection, fluorescence spectrophotometry, removal of electrostatic charges from semiconductor wafers.
Primary benefits: Extremely low detection limits and sensitivity, high stability, intensity, and service life
Special features: Engineered for a long lifetime, low cost-of-ownership, and high repeatable precision for consistent and sensitive analysis
Horiba Scientific
Product: ULF Raman filter module
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Structural investigations of pharmaceutical polymorphs, LA modes in polymers, and super lattice modes of semiconductor materials.
Primary benefits: Low frequency modes can give detail on conformational changes, subtle changes in lattice structure and microcrystallites size, and reveal key information for the structural investigations.
Special features: Access to ultralow frequency (ULF) modes down to 5 cm-1
Iridian Spectral Technologies
Product: IR gas bandpass filters for use in IR gas detection systems.
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Measurement mode: Transmission
Suggested applications: Detection of the presence and concentration of gases of interest in environmental or process analysis applications
Primary benefits: Customizable optical and mechanical specifications to meet specific customer needs. High transmission and narrow pass-bands to maximize discrimination of specific gas lines.
Special features: Discrete detection of IR spectra for common gases (CH4, CO, CO2, NO, H2O), custom gas lines and sizing available on request, standard size is 1-in. diameter, reliability and durability as per MIL C 48497A, all dielectric hard coatings, ROHS-compliant parts.
Laser-Export Co.
Product: LCM-S-111 green single-frequency diode pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser module
For: Process applications
Suggested applications: Raman spectroscopy, dynamical scattering, holography, confocal laser microscopy, interference measurements.
Primary benefits: Special modification for Raman (LCM-S-111-20-R) with precaution to back reflections.
Special features: Stable single-frequency mode, compact, and cost-effective.
Laser Quantum
Product: Finesse 12 laser
For: Laboratory applications
Measurement mode: True CW (continuous emission)
Special features: 532-nm true CW DPSS laser, 12 W of power, compact, efficient, no water cooling required.
MassTech Inc
Product: Atmospheric-pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization source MS component (source)
For: Laboratory applications
Meinhard Division, Elemental Scientific
Product: Meinhard nebulizer for sample introduction into ICP or ICP-MS
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Trace analysis of aqueous solutions by ICP-OES, ICP-MS
Special features: High sensitivity and low dead volume for fast wash-in and wash-out, includes the Plus Series of ultraclean PTFE PFA gas and liquid fittings, available in glass, quartz, and high-purity quartz.
Mindrum Precision, Inc.
Product: Miniaturized double-latching solenoid valve (micro valve)
Dimensions: 14.73 × 35.5 mm
Special features: Chemically inert materials, quick actuation time, removable solenoid, bolt in and weld in design
Moxtek, Inc.
Product: XPIN X-ray detector
For: Laboratory analysis
Special features: Portable, compact design, low power consumption, stable resolution, corrosion-resistant thin beryllium window, thermoelectric cooled
Product: Magnum Monoblock X-ray source
For: Laboratory analysis, portable
Dimensions: 190 × 25 × 50 mm, 350 g
Measurement mode: Transmission
Description: Controller supplies the power and control signals to the high-voltage power supply.
Suggested applications: Handheld, portable, and benchtop XRF instrumentation
Primary benefits: High and stable X-ray output, high purity spectrum, small focal spot, easy to integrate into spectrometers, and low cost. Compact, lightweight, battery powered.
Special features: Air cooled and low power consumption.
Product: UBB01A optical ultra broadband polarizer (UV-IR)
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Transmission and extinction ratio
Suggested applications: UV–vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, astronomy, UV-curing, UV-exposure, IR-imaging, forensics, communications, semiconductor, machine vision, and microscopy
Primary benefits: Covers a large wavelength range and eliminates having to switch between two or three polarizers for necessary wavelength measurements.
Special features: Nanowire technology, inorganic structures, high reliability
Ocean Optics
Product: Cool Red infrared light source
Measurement mode: Silicone nitride emitter
Suggested applications: Spectroscopy applications in mid-IR (1000–5000 nm)
Primary benefits: High output (50 W) in small footprint
Special features: Integrated optical shutter, frequency adjustment. Long lifetime (2000 h); bulb temperature 1500 K.
Oxxius SA
Product: LBX-785S-100 laser source at 785 nm for confocal Raman spectroscopy
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: Confocal Raman spectroscopy
Primary benefits: Narrow linewidth, excellent beam quality, compact laser
Special features: <10 MHz linewidth, very compact laser head with integral drivers
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Product: Sitrans SL tunable diode laser for analyzer measurement mode TDL
For: Process analysis
Suggested applications: O2 measurement for safety, process control, and combustion control
Special features: In situ, process analyzer, with automatic, continuous line locking for O2 and CO measurement with one year guaranteed calibration.
ESR
Active Spectrum Inc.
Product: Micro-ESR electron spin resonance spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Dimensions: 10 × 10 × 10 in.
Suggested applications: Analysis of crude oil, lubricants, and additives; oxidative stability of vegetable oils, wine, beer, and biofuels. Spin trapping of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and related biomedical research.
Special features: World's smallest ESR spectrometer, available in on-line (process analysis) and benchtop form factors, and designed for process monitoring applications; low cost; only production ESR spectrometer specifically designed for process monitoring applications.
FLUORESCENCE
Horiba Scientific
Product: Aqualog fluorescence and absorbance spectrometer
For: Laboratory applications
Suggested application: CDOM analysis
Special features: Simultaneous measurements of fluorescence and absorbance for EEM scans. 100× faster than using a fluorometer and UV–vis spectrometer. CCD for rapid data collection.
Jasco
Product: FP-8000 series spectrofluorometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Steady-state fluorescence, phosphorescence, or luminescence analysis
Primary benefits: Great sensitivity, scanning speed, dynamic range, and range of accessories and applications
IMAGING
Horiba Scientific
Product: Hyperspectral imaging camera for simultaneous spectral imaging
For: One-shot spectral imaging in field, laboratory, and industrial environments
Suggested applications: Spectral imaging of dynamic events such as combustion and biodynamics
Primary benefits: Ability to use spectral imaging to characterize dynamic scenes that are not amenable to existing sequential measurement techniques.
Special features: Simultaneous acquisition of both spectral and image data. Rugged design with no moving parts.
Photon etc.
Product: V-EOS and S-EOS hyperspectral camera (widefield and microscopic)
For: Laboratory and field applications for instant characterization of complex materials (e.g., drill core, phototovoltaics, medical diagnosis).
Measurement modes: Reflectance, fluorescence, photoluminescence, Raman
Suggested applications: Scientific research, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, life sciences, space and astronomy, environment and agriculture, mining, oil, and gas operations, art authentication, restoration, and conservation.
Primary benefits: The imager delivers a series of monochromatic images at user-specified wavelengths. This optimized hyperspectral cube allows for spectral analysis of each and every pixel of a full resolution image.
Special features: High-resolution (spatial and spectral), portable, calibrated, customizable. PHySpec software is included and designed to control all Photon devices simultaneously. Easy to install, with a user-friendly interface. Active X controls are available and special functions can be developed for custom applications. The software can be integrated in a microscopy setup for characterization of complex materials and as OEM. Narrow resolutions and an operating range of 400 nm to 2.3 µm. First developed for faint object observation in astronomy, this hyperspectral imaging technology has been expanded for use in a large number of applications.
Princeton Instruments
Product: ProEM 1600 EMCCD camera
For: Laboratory applications
Suggested applications: Scanning confocal spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, single-molecule spectroscopy.
Primary benefits: Provides low etaloning in NIR and enhanced quantum efficiency in blue and red regions. High-speed EM mode capture fast kinetics; CCD mode has very low read noise for precision photometry.
Special features: 1600 × 200 and 1600 × 400 formats for high-speed and low-light spectroscopy. Proprietary eXcelon technology provides higher QE in UV and NIR than conventional back-thinned EMCCDs.
S.T. Japan, Inc.
Product: CPRIS-2 portable Raman imaging system
For: Laboratory analysis
Dimensions: 18 × 6 × 5 in.
Special features: Unique design for Raman measurements on paintings and objects of historical significance.
WITec GmbH
Product: True Surface Microscopy Raman imaging
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Characterization of micromechanical, medical, or semiconductor devices; the mapping of functionalized surfaces; the imaging of biomedical or pharmaceutical material surface properties.
Primary benefits: Allows the measurement of rough or inclined samples while maintaining the advantages of confocal imaging. Facilitates surface analysis and increases its speed for comprehensive sample characterization. Thus, a new type of sample, arbitrary formed surfaces, is accessible for focal and confocal Raman imaging. Many solid-state samples (as long as they fit under the microscope) can be investigated in the mm-regime by means of confocal Raman imaging.
Special features: Profilometry capabilities allow scan ranges of up to 50 × 100 mm with a spatial resolution on the order of 100 nm vertically and 10 µm laterally. In combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM), the profilometer can be used as a pre-inspection tool to determine topographic features of interest for high-resolution AFM investigations on large samples. Complete system control as well as extensive data evaluation are integrated within the WITec Control and WITec Project software environment, guaranteeing renowned ease-of-use.
MASS SPECTROMETRY
1st Detect Corp.
Product: Miniature Chemical Detector (mass spectrometer).
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Agilent Technologies
Product: Model 20 and 240 ion-trap GC–MS systems
For: Laboratory analysis
Description: Can add on the model 7693A automatic liquid sampler
Suggested applications: Environmental analysis, materials testing, food safety and quality measurements, applications in government and academic laboratories.
Primary benefits: Can be used on complex samples at low detection limits in several modes to provide more comprehensive information about a compound.
Special features: MS-MS and MSn capability; EI, CI, and MS-MS can be performed on the same instrument; sub-picogram detection limit; multiple ionization and scan modes. Precise sample introduction (can be automated with add-on 7693A automatic liquid sampler); advanced separation features; real-time self-monitoring.
Almsco International
Product: BenchTOF-dx
For: Laboratory analysis
Special features: Unique combination of maximized speed, sensitivity, selectivity, and spectral quality.
Suggested applications: All applications for GC–MS. Particularly useful for screening methodology.
Primary benefits: Offers clarity of spectra and a high-definition approach.
Applied Spectra, Inc.
Product: J100 Series Femtosecond laser ablation system (ICP-MS)
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Rapid bulk elemental/isotopic analysis, high precision nuclear forensic analysis, metal impurity analysis of solar cell thin films, trace element analysis of high-purity ceramic and quartz parts
Primary benefits: No sample preparation, no chemical waste or by-products, detection sensitivity down to parts-per-billion level, high sampling efficiency, and improved precision performance.
Special features: UV and IR capability with ample energy to perform consistent laser ablation for a wide range of sample matrices, compact and highly reliable laser source for low cost of ownership, highest laser pulse repetition rates to enable high throughput bulk analysis. Powerful system software for efficient optimization of LA-ICP-MS sampling parameters and automation of measurement protocols.
Excellims Corporation
Product: GA2100 DS electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Software: cGMP compliant, compatible with SGE's MEPS (Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent) for sample preparation, compatible with HPLC and GC systems as a detector for nonchromaphore compounds, compatible with some MS systems to be used as a hyphenated ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)-MS system.
Suggested applications: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleaning verification, chemical reaction monitoring at the laboratory bench as well as at line during production processes, rapid incoming material and product inspection, and chemical composition confirmation.
Primary benefits: Only commercial ESI-IMS system on the market, can be used for many jobs that are traditionally done by HPLC. GA2100 delivers HPLC equivalent resolution, but has 1/1000 of HPLC operational cost by eliminating usage of large quantity of organic solvents and column and achieves high-speed separation in seconds. GA2100 is a much greener HPLC alternative, without solvent usage and disposal.
Special features: A new DirectSpray ionization source is also available that overcomes cross contamination issues of conventional ESI sources and improves analysis time by eliminating sample transfer lines.
Product: RA4100 electrospray ionization IMS–MS system
For: Laboratory analysis
Software: cGMP compliant, may be used in other equipment, compatible with SGE's MEPS (Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent) for sample preparation, compatible with HPLC and GC systems as a detector for nonchromaphore compounds.
Suggested applications: Can be used for applications where HPLC–MS or GC–MS were used, but with greatly reduced analysis time.
Primary benefits: Can deliver HPLC–MS-like performance, but has 1/1000 of HPLC operational cost by eliminating usage of large quantities of organic solvents and columns, and achieves high speed separation in seconds. A greener HPLC alternative without solvent usage and disposal.
Ionicon Analytik GmbH
Product: PTR-MS mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: VOC monitoring and quantification in many different areas including environmental research, pollution monitoring, atmospheric chemistry, food and flavor science, and illicit substances detection
Primary benefits: On-line and real-time single-digit pptv-level sensitivities using proton transfer reaction–MS technology, quantitative method; no need for gas supply or other consumables.
Special features: Detection limit for VOCs <1 pptv, real-time quantification of VOCs
Shimadzu
Product: GCMS-QP2010 Ultra gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Forensics/toxicology, environmental, food safety
Primary benefits: Improved productivity with higher scan speeds, rapid GC oven cooling, best-in-class sensitivity, and easy maintenance.
Special features: Maximum scan speed of 20,000 u/s; 500:1 S/N in EI mode; optional twin-line MS system eliminates the need to swap columns; "Ecology mode" saves power and carrier gas consumption for low cost of ownership and less environmental stress.
Product: LCMS-8030 Triple Quad mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Forensics, environmental, foods, pharmaceuticals, life science
Primary benefits: Faster speed, less cross-talk, easier operation/maintenance
Special features: Fastest multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transition times available today (dwell times of 1 ms and pause times of 1 ms); 500 MRM transitions in one second; high-speed scanning rate of 15,000 u/s allows full spectrum scans within a series of MRM measurements; maintenance of the desolvation line without breaking vacuum minimizes instrument downtime.
Spectro Analytical Instruments
Product: Spectro MS ICP-MS
For: Laboratory analysis
Special features: World's first simultaneously measuring ICP-MS of 75 elements and 210 isotopes
Suggested applications: Geological research, environmental
Primary benefits: Measures all elements simultaneously. Fast, can go back and review any element at a later date.
Special features: Novel direct charge detector and new ion optic guarantee extraordinary precision and high sample throughput.
Torion Technologies Inc.
Product: Guardion GC-TMS portable ion-trap mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Dimensions: 15.5 × 15.0 × 9.0 in.
Accessories: Torion's Custodian solid-phase microextraction syringes and Airion-3 portable dynamic air sampler for sample introduction into the Guardion GC-TMS system
Suggested applications: Defense, homeland security, environmental, food and agriculture, fragrance and flavors analysis, as well as analysis of hazardous and nonhazardous volatile and semivolatile organic compounds.
Primary benefits: Portable for on-site measurements, fast, reliable, easy to use
Waters Corporation
Product: Xevo G2 Tof mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis/research
Suggested applications: Early drug discovery metabolism studies and analysis of impurities in pharmaceutical products
Primary benefits: Upgrade path to quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) functionality that enables exact mass MS-MS capability using the same hardware.
Special features: Brings market-leading, research-grade Synapt G2 technology in an accessible, bench-top system. QuanTof technology combines an innovative high-field pusher and dual-stage reflectron with a novel ion detection system in an optimized TOF geometry. These features provide high resolution, exact mass and quantitative performance available at acquisition rates that are compatible with UPLC separations. UPLC–MSE, a method of data acquisition, allows users to view exact mass precursor and fragment ion data from a single data set. Sensitive, exact mass quantitative, and qualitative performance.
Product: Xevo TQ-S mass spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Biological and medical research, bioanalysis, food safety, environmental monitoring, and forensics testing.
Primary benefits: Quantifies compounds at lower concentrations than previously possible. The instrument's sensitivity allows scientists to consider diluting samples in order to reduce matrix effects that interfere with compound measurements. They can also work with smaller sample volumes.
Special features: Features new StepWave ion-transfer technology, a new off-axis design for increasing the efficiency of ion transfer from the ion source to the quadrupole MS analyzer while actively eliminating undesirable neutral contaminants. The chromatographic peak areas are typically more than 30× bigger and the signal-to-noise ratios are typically 5–10× better. The high speed transfer optics and collision cell design allow the TQ-S system to acquire both full-scan MS and MRM data simultaneously on narrow, 1–2 s wide peaks and still obtain >12 points across the peak. Capable of accurately measuring target compounds in complex samples at femtogram levels or below.
MID-IR
Agilent Technologies
Product: 4100 Exoscan FT-IR
For: Handheld applications
Dimensions: 6.7 × 4.7 × 8.8 in., 7 lb
Measurement modes: Reflection, diamond ATR, germanium ATR, diffuse reflectance, or grazing angle
Suggested applications: Composites, polymers, coatings, surface measurement, and geology.
Primary benefits: Full FT-IR capabilities in a handheld package
Special features: Battery powered and wirelessly controlled from a PDA; multiple interchangeable sample interfaces are available for different sample types; docking station allows for in-laboratory method development using the same field instrument; designed for the industrial market.
Product: Agilent 4500 A FT-IR
For: Portable applications
Dimensions: 8.5 × 11.5 × 7.5 in., 15 lb
Measurement mode: Diamond ATR
Primary benefits: On-site material analysis and quality control
Special features: Same performance features as the 5500 FT-IR system in a portable package; battery operation and PDA control make it field deployable; also available with the TumblIR and DialPath liquid transmission interfaces for enhanced sensitivity; portable, battery powered, wirelessly controlled.
Product: Agilent 5500 DialPath FT-IR
For: Laboratory analysis
Dimensions: 8 × 8 × 4.5 in.
Measurement mode: Transmission
Specialty accessory: Integrated with the 5500 FT-IR system, DialPath technology permits selection of any one of three pathlengths by rotating the optical head into place. No spacers or demountable windows. Convenient, fast, and easy to use. Small and lightweight. Highly accurate mid-IR analysis. No sample preparation. Laboratory, fume hood, or field use. Available with general purpose or specific methods; 12-V DC cigarette lighter adapter for mobile uses. Integrated DialPath transmission cell.
Suggested applications: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of liquids, food adulteration, incoming QA/QC, final product QA/QC, petrochemical blending, regulatory compliance, fine/specialty chemicals
Primary benefits: Sensitivity of transmission analysis with the ease of use of ATR analysis
Special features: Three factory-set, fixed pathlengths of 30–250 µm are available and can be switched, covering pathlengths that ATR cannot. Eliminates traditional liquids cells and the problems associated with introducing viscous samples into a traditional liquid cell. Analytical precision, accuracy, and sensitivity. Measures liquid samples quickly and eliminates cleaning complexity and sample carry-over. Fits on the laboratory bench in a space no greater than 8 in.2
Daylight Solutions
Product: Swept Spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: PAT, explosive detection, mid-IR imaging, BTEX detection and analysis, microfluidics diagnostics.
Primary benefits: Broad tuning mid-IR laser spectrometer with 1-ppm sensitivity. Obtain spectra in 10 ms with capability to average at 100-Hz update rate. Configurable to meet customers' needs in the solid, liquid, and gas phases.
Eralytics GmbH
Product: Eracheck
For: Laboratory and handheld applications. Portable for field use and specially designed for installation inside mobile laboratories.
Dimensions: 22 × 32 × 28 cm; 8 kg
Measurement mode: Quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometry
Suggested applications: Monitoring wastewater discharge of oil depots, refineries, and offshore rigs; monitoring the efficiency of oil/water separation processes; surveying water and soil quality and hazardous waste sites
Special features: A rugged, compact, stand alone analyzer for the fast and easy measurement of sub-part-per-million concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons in water and in soil in the laboratory as well as in the field. Measurement according to the newest standard AS D7678-2011. Extraction with CFC-free solvent. Fast (2-min measuring time), portable, operation via 12-V vehicle battery, full automation (operation via touch screen), built-in PC (Ethernet, USB, LIMS, and so forth). Uses a well accepted solvent (cyclohexane) and is easy to use. Fulfills the newest oil-in-water method AS D7678 issued in 2011. Results are in correlation to ISO 9377-2, AS D3921, and D7066.
Product: Eraspec FT-IR fuel analyzer
For: Laboratory and handheld applications. Portable for field use and specially designed for the installation inside mobile laboratories.
Dimensions: 22 × 32 × 28 cm; 8 kg
Measurement mode: Laser-controlled FT-IR spectrometer
Suggested applications: QC of fuels in refineries, pipeline terminals, storage facilities, and gas stations, and to detect adulteration, smuggling, and dilution in the fuel industry.
Special features: A rugged, stand-alone analyzer for the detailed analysis of gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel, and jet fuel with a single unit. Fast (1-min measuring time), portable, operation via 12-V vehicle battery, full automation (operation via touch screen), built-in PC (Ethernet, USB, LIMS, and so forth). Maintenance-free, no consumables. Single unit for various applications. More than 3000 fuel spectra can be saved in the internal memory, can be easily viewed and analyzed on the large color touch screen of the instrument without a PC or an external software, and can be saved on a USB flash drive for external analysis.
Gasera Ltd
Product: LP1 tunable laser photoacoustic gas analyzer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Dimensions: 48.4 × 13.9 × 44 cm, 13 kg
Suggested applications: By selecting the relevant laser wavelengths, LP1 can be configured to several applications including indoor/outdoor air quality analysis, gas impurities, refrigerant leakage monitoring, automotive, greenhouse gas monitoring, and industrial safety. One rack-mount unit can be equipped with one or two tunable laser sources for monitoring one or two gas components simultaneously.
Special features: Uses photoacoustic spectroscopy with Gasera's patented MEMS cantilever sensor. This photoacoustic technology is combined with tunable laser spectroscopy to allow parts-per-billion-level sensitivity with wide linear dynamic range and high selectivity. Accurate and reliable analysis, can compensate for vibrations, temperature and pressure fluctuations, water-vapor interference, and interference from other gases known to be present. Equipped with a high-resolution graphical user interface with user-friendly menus. The programming of measurement tasks is versatile because of the user-configurable parameters for monitoring, built-in data logging, and intuitive presentation of the measurement results. Capable of presenting the measurement data in a graphical trend view during the monitoring period and provides users with easy access to the measurement data files and device log-files. The zero-background measurement principle provides low drift, resulting in a calibration period of several months. No moving parts, only maintenance tasks necessary are calibration and changing the air-filters. Filters for preventing dust and dirt from getting into the measurement chamber are located outside the instrument.
Pair Technologies, LLC
Product: Pair 100 Series double-beam IR spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement modes: Transmission, reflection, ATR
Special features: Offers fast (millisecond) scanning capability with spectral resolution from ~0.8 to 16 cm-1 . By using a programmable planar array detector, S/N values can be obtained of about 100× that of a conventional FT-IR system at similar spectral resolution, enabling detection of very small absorbance changes in samples. The configuration provides long-term stability, allowing the study of long-term reactions such as fermentation or curing without removing the sampling system to obtain a new reference spectrum. User-changeable InSb or MCT arrays enable users to select specific wavelength ranges of interest and study small changes in peak shape or intensity.
PerkinElmer, Inc.
Product: Frontier FT-IR spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Primary benefits: Delivers respectability of transmission spectra, sensitive and configurable in demanding applications, helps to advance safe drug development and understand complex chemical and material properties.
Special features: Designed for diverse FT-IR challenges ranging from everyday measurements to complex analyses. Combines sensitivity with flexibility for many diverse sectors, from polymers and chemicals to consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.
Product: Spectrum Two FT-IR spectrometer.
For: Laboratory analysis.
Primary benefits: Designed to perform rapid analytical measurements and suited to a wide range of materials and markets. Low-maintenance design and operational simplicity for accurate and reliable high-speed FT-IR analysis.
Special features: Easy to use and compact. For unknown substance identification, material qualification, or concentration determination. Can be operated across diverse applications such as fuel and lubricant analysis and pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, environmental, and polymer analysis.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product: Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 FT-IR spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Accessories: An open-architecture sample compartment accepts a wide range of sampling accessories. Accurate, cost-effective sample handling with automated software recognition and programmable control. Temperature control and fiber optic accessories can increase the instrument's productivity and extend sampling options.
Suggested applications: Product assurance testing, basic troubleshooting, and chemistry teaching
Special features: Delivers performance comparable to full size spectrometers
Wilks Enterprise, Inc.
Product: InfraSpec Low Level Biodiesel Detection Analyzer
For: Laboratory or on-site quality control
Measurement mode: Transmission
Suggested applications: Parts-per-million biodiesel detection in fuel
Primary benefits: Easy to use, analysis can be taken out of the laboratory, no moving parts, capable in most outdoor environments
Special features: Automated syringe pump for sample introduction, portable, can be battery powered, small footprint, rugged, for on-site analysis.
Product: InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer, Model EB
For: Laboratory and process applications
Dimensions: 16 × 16 × 7 cm
Accessory: Syringe pump for flow-through cell
Measurement mode: Transmission.
Suggested applications: Specifically design for biodiesel detections for fuel applications that require no biodiesel (for example, emergency diesel backup generators for hospitals and nuclear power plants, tactical and emergency military vehicles, pipelines that ship jet fuel).
Special features: Portable, battery powered, designed for nontechnical users in rugged environments, simple interface with complete spectral information available if desired, lower cost than FT-IR, contains a linear variable filter (LVF) with a detector array that allows for a compact system with no moving parts and no exposed optical air path.
Product: InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer, Model E
For: Laboratory or process applications
Dimensions: 16 × 16 × 7 cm
Measurement mode: Transmission
Specialty accessory: Card holder sample stage for flexible film analysis
Suggested applications: To quantify and qualify polymer multilayer flexible films
Special features: Portable, battery powered, designed for nontechnical users in rugged environments, simple interface with complete spectral information available if desired, lower cost than FT-IR, contains a linear variable filter with a detector array that allows for a compact system with no moving parts and no exposed optical air path.
NEAR INFRARED
Avantes BV
Product: AvaSpec NIRline
For: Laboratory, process control, and field applications
Measurement mode: Transmission, reflection, absorbance, irradiance
Suggested applications: Plastic/polymer characterization, moisture content monitoring, irradiance measurements
Primary benefits: Variety of new high sensitivity, high resolution detectors, improved stability, and dynamic range
Special features: Toroidal focusing mirrors, dynamic dark correction, battery powered, wireless communication, digital and analog input/outputs, fully compatible with Avantes fiber optic probes and sampling accessories.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product: DeepView OCT Spectral Engine
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: Optical coherence tomography.
Special features: High throughput, fast scan speed, factory calibration, low cost of ownership, uses BaySpec's volume phase gratings.
Buchi Corporation
Product: NIRMaster
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: At-line applications in food and feed manufacturing process and laboratory QC
Special features: Polarization interferometer provides high sensitivity, accurate and reliable results, and robustness; first stand-alone FT-NIR spectrometer specifically designed with hygiene in mind for the food and feed industries.
B&W Tek, Inc.
Product: Sol 1.7 TE Cooled Miniature InGaAs Array NIR spectrometer
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Dimensions: Spectrometer: 7.1 × 4.3 × 2.7 in.; power supply: 7.5 × 6.6 × 3.0 in.
Measurement mode: Fiber-optic coupled
Suggested applications: Process monitoring, NIR spectroscopy, quality control, on-line analyzer, biological applications, material identification
Primary benefits: Compact, low noise
Special features: Built-in autozero function, four levels of gain, 900–1700 nm spectral range, built-in 16-bit digitizer, TE cooled/stabilized, user-selectable high dynamic/high sensitivity mode. Low percentage of dead pixels.
Control Development, Inc.
Product: Self-referencing NIR spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: Anywhere NIR reflectance is used in pharmaceutical operations, such as moisture in fluid bed dryers, blend uniformity analysis, coating thickness, and roller compaction applications.
Primary benefits: Portable, light, rugged, affordable
Special features: Built-in referencing scheme for 100% white reference, dark, and wavelength calibration
Forston Labs
Product: Spectrophotometer/fluorometer vis–NIR
For: Handheld applications
Dimensions: 5 × 3 × 1.5 in.
Measurement mode: Transmission
Suggested applications: Measure absorbance, percent transmittance, emissions spectra, or fluorescence; conduct Beer's law investigations; conduct kinetic studies of absorbance vs. time; perform equilibrium studies of absorbance vs. time or absorbance vs. concentration; conduct experiments on enzyme kinetics; perform colorimetric or fluorescent bioassays
Special features: Portable, powered through USB to handheld lab navigator analytical device; allows users to collect a full wavelength spectrum (absorbance, percent transmittance, or intensity) in <1 s; once peak wavelength is determined, can determine the concentration of a solution or monitor rates of reaction
Ibsen Photonics
Product: ROCK NIR Spectrometer
For: Process and handheld applications
Dimensions: 110 × 105 × 45 mm
Special features: High throughput, flexible, robust, and athermal performance
Suggested applications: Food analysis, waste sorting of plastics, medical, water contamination analysis
Special features: High-efficiency fused-silica surface relief gratings produced in-house using wafer based volume manufacturing process.
JDS Uniphase Corporation; Advanced Optical Technology Group
www.jdsu.com/en-us/Custom-Optics
Product: Linear Variable Filter Spectral Engine Miniature Near Infrared spectral engine with integrated light source, detector, linear variable filter, and electronics
For: Process and handheld applications
Dimensions: 37 × 39 × 33 mm, 50 g
Measurement mode: Transmission or reflection
Suggested applications: Food and agriculture, forensics, homeland security, pharmaceuticals
Primary benefits: Engine enables small lightweight handheld products, or embedded sensor on line for quality control
Ocean Optics
Product: NIRQuest512-2.5 spectrometer
For: Laboratory, process, and environmental analysis
Measurement modes: Absorbance, transmission, emission, reflectance
Suggested applications: Food and beverage QC, environmental analysis, life sciences and biomedical applications, and industrial process monitoring
Primary benefits: Wide range of optical bench options allows customization, even for high-resolution applications
Special features: External triggering function, thermoelectrically cooled optical bench, InGaAs array spectrometer
Photon Control Inc.
Product: SPM-001-NIR1700S/NIR2500W spectrometer
For: Handheld application
Dimensions: 244 × 90 × 53.4 mm
Suggested applications: Mineral identification, process automation technology (PAT), petrochemical analysis, laser characterization and tuning, thin-film thickness measurement, moisture measurement in wood fiber, reflectance, transmission, absorption, cellulose analysis, soil analysis, pharmaceutical industry, chemical analysis, alcohol content analysis, and sensors.
Special features: Available with a 140-mm focal length for high-resolution applications; uses a proprietary optical design to achieve high resolution; 512 pixel linear array, 16-bit A/D converter, spectral range of 900 nm to 2500 nm, and software interface including data logging and beam profiling that can be user integrated using software development kits for Labview, Visual C++, and Visual Basic.
StellarNet Inc.
Product: DWARF-Star spectrometer
For: Portable, process, and OEM applications
Dimensions: 5 × 3 × 2 in.
Measurement mode: Absorbance, reflectance, transmission, and others (depends on the measurement accessory)
Software: Includes free SpectraWiz software suite and a developer's toolbox of source codes, customizable demo programs, and full spectroscopy applications in LabVIEW, Visual Basic, Delphi Pascal, and MS Visual C. Driver interface documentation, development manuals, and software support are provided. High speed spectral data acquisition with advanced features, such as time series analysis and episodic data capture with rapid sample logging are standard features. Post processing techniques, such as baseline correction, data smoothing, and spectral derivatives are included.
Suggested applications: Chemical absorption, transmission of optics, irradiance of light sources, OEM application, NIR with chemometrics, process analytical technology for industries such as food and drug, chemical, oil and gas, and plastics.
Primary benefits: Size, ruggedness, price, and integrated chemometrics software options for run time prediction and analysis. TEC cooled, requires no external power via USB2 connection.
Designed for OEM product integration (as well as for use as portable or handheld device) and has OEM multiunit pricing options. Equipped with a high-performance InGaAs detector array (512- or 1024-element options) for the 900–1700 nm wavelength range and high achievable resolutions to 1.5 nm.
Special features: Light sources, probes, and sampling accessories facilitate many NIR applications. Small, rugged, no moving parts
NMR
Oxford Instruments
Product: MQC Benchtop NMR low-field analyzer
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Measurement mode: Relaxometry
Suggested applications: Quality control of processes for solid fat content of vegetable oils, fat in snack foods or animal feed, oil in oil seeds, hydrogen in fuel, spin finish on fibers, xylene solubles in polypropylene, fluorine in toothpaste, fluorine in alumina or flourospar, lotion on fibers
Primary benefits: Works in ≤5 min. No consumables, no hazardous solvents needed, low power requirements, takes up little work bench space, easy to use.
Special features: Fast quantification (typically <1 min) of the number of mobile protons in a static matrix, such as the oil content (mobile) in an olive (protein and fiber is static), resulting in percent oil by weight.
SCP Science
Product: NMR spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Simultaneous and automatic determination of oil, moisture, and oleic acid content in a variety of different seeds, fat in chocolate, hydrogen in jet fuel, and other analytes.
Special features: Measures fatty acids in a single seed or grain, samples are not destroyed during analysis.
RAMAN
B&W Tek, Inc.
Product: i-Raman
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Dimensions: 6.7 × 13.4 × 9.2 in.
Measurement mode: Fiber-optic probe
Special accessory: Raman video micro sampling system
Software: BWID and BWID Pharma Raman identification, 21CFR11 compliant.
Suggested applications: Bioscience and medical diagnosis, pharmaceutical industry, Raman microscopy, polymers and chemical processes, environmental science, forensic analysis, gemology, geology and mineralogy, food and agriculture industry, semiconductor and solar industry
Primary benefits: Fills mid-level niche, spectral resolution of 3 cm-1, proprietary TE-cooled CCD detector
Special features: TE-cooled linear array, F/2 spectrograph, optional 65-cm-1 cut-on filter, spectral resolution of 3 cm-1, 175 cm-1 of the Rayleigh line, wide Raman shift coverage, patented cleanlaze technology for laser stabilization, TE-cooled 2048-pixel array, fiber-optic interface for convenient sampling. OEM configurations available. F/2 transmission spectrograph coupled with TE-cooled linear array. The iRaman combines high resolution with field-portability. Performance comparable to large bench-top Raman systems, weighs <10 lb.
Product: MiniRam III Portable Raman spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Dimensions: 10.1 × 8.3 × 4.5 in.
Measurement mode: Fiber optic
Suggested applications: Bioscience and medical diagnosis, pharmaceutical, food and agriculture, semiconductor and solar industries, Raman microscopy, polymers and chemical processes, environmental science, forensic analysis, gemology/geology and mineralogy
Special features: Spectral resolution of 10 cm-1, 175 cm-1 of the Rayleigh line, small footprint and light weight, linewidth as narrow as 0.01 nm, TE-cooled 2048-pixel CCD detector, fiber-optic interface for sampling. Combines a spectrum stabilized laser, a TE-cooled spectrometer, and an integrated Windows OS–based, touch-screen computer with an Intel ATOM processor for portability and power.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product: FirstGuard
For: Laboratory, process, handheld analysis
Dimensions: 125 × 223 × 85 mm
Measurement mode: Raman
Specialty accessories: Optional barcode or RFID reader
Suggested applications: Identification of narcotics, illicit street drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents, hazardous materials, and chemical spills; pharmaceutical IQ/OQ/PQ QA, gemstone authentication, teaching
Primary benefits: Single-hand operation, high power laser, cooled detector array for high sensitivity, flexibility to build and transfer libraries. Available in 532-, 785-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths.
Special features: Built-in spring-loaded vial holder with seal-tight lid, Bluetooth and 802.11 g WiFi, interchangeable lithium ion battery, computer stylus for touchscreen data entry, collection optics funnel, universal power supply.
Product: MovingLab
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Dimensions: 305 × 305 × 381 mm
Measurement mode: Raman
Specialty accessories: Variety of microscope objectives, XYZ stages
Special features: On-board swivel-screen Windows-based Netbook PC, backup lithium ion battery
Suggested applications: Identification of narcotics, illicit street drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents, hazardous materials, and chemical spills; pharmaceutical IQ/OQ/PQ QA, gemstone authentication, teaching
Primary benefits: Dispersive design with no moving parts, portable forensic lab, low cost, flexibility to build and transfer libraries. Available in 532-, 785- and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths.
Product: Nomadic Raman microscope
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Measurement mode: Raman
Specialty accessories: Variety of microscope objectives, XYZ stages
Special features: Optional automated XYZ stage, customized software solutions
Suggested applications: Identification of narcotics, illicit street drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents, hazardous materials, and chemical spills; pharmaceutical IQ/OQ/PQ QA, gemstone authentication, teaching
Primary benefits: Dispersive design with no moving parts, flexibility to build and transfer libraries, Raman imaging. Available in 532-, 785-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths.
Product: RamSpec-HR-1064
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Dimensions: 432 × 305 × 178 mm
Measurement mode: Raman
Specialty accessories: Variety of immersion/reaction probes for all environments
Suggested applications: Narcotics and illicit street drugs ID, explosives and chemical warfare agents ID, hazardous materials and chemical spills ID, pharmaceutical IQ/OQ/PQ QA, gemstone authentication, teaching
Primary benefits: Dispersive design with no moving parts, high ~4–5 cm-1 spectral resolution, high powered laser, deep-cooled detector array, flexibility to build and transfer libraries. Available in 532-, 785-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths.
Special features: Portable, equation transfer, battery powered, on-board swivel-screen Windows-based Netbook PC
Product: Xantus
For: Laboratory, process, handheld analysis
Dimensions: 125 × 223 × 85 mm
Measurement mode: Raman
Specialty accessory: Vial sample holder, flexible tablet holder, handle-grip with active trigger
Suggested applications: Narcotics and illicit street drugs ID, explosives and chemical warfare agents ID, hazardous materials and chemical spills ID, pharmaceutical IQ/OQ/PQ QA, gemstone authentication, teaching
Primary benefits: High power laser, cooled detector array for high sensitivity, flexibility to build and transfer libraries. Available in 532-, 785-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths.
Special features: Bluetooth and 802.11 g WiFi, rechargeable lithium ion battery, computer stylus for touchscreen data entry, collection optics funnel, universal power supply
Horiba Scientific
Product: XploRA INV
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Cell research, cancer detection, pharmaceutical verification of intercellular activities, inclusion of micro reactors, and easy incorporation of AFM units for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) for high spatial resolution sample visualization
Primary benefits: Combines multiple imaging and spectroscopy features for demanding biological applications
Special features: Combines the automation features and small footprint of the standard XploRA confocal Raman microscope with the capabilities of an inverted microscope. The open structure permits the use of many options and add-ons for inverted microscopes, including micro manipulators and "optical tweezers," specific enclosures for cell applications, etc. Can integrate the scanning capabilities of Horiba's DuoScan for rapid spectroscopic multichannel Raman imaging, as well as the new 3D-CLSO (confocal laser scanning operation) option, which permits the instrument to operate as a conventional high speed confocal laser scanning microscope for sample imaging for visualization and verification.
Malvern Instruments
Product: Morphologi G3-ID
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Microprobe
Suggested applications: Chemical identity of a class of particles, full size and shape characterization of particles, can manually or automatically target specific, individual particles for Raman measurements
Primary benefits: Size, shape, and chemical identification
Special features: Fully automated chemical analysis of particulates
Morpho Detection, Inc.
Product: StreetLab Mobile
For: Handheld applications
Dimensions: 15 × 5.5 × 8 in.; 6.5 lb, including battery
Measurement mode: Raman
Suggested applications: First responders, hazmat teams, law enforcement, narcotics interdiction, bomb squads, ports and borders, customs
Primary benefits: Broad identification capabilities TICs/TIMs, explosives, narcotics and CWAs with 2-in-1 biological detection capabilities; rapid, comprehensive identification of mixtures and single substances; flexible sampling options; remote, wireless control from "cold zone" for operator safety
Special features: Ruggedized, portable, rapid chemical and biological identification in a single handheld device, wireless remote connectivity for chemical identification up to 450 m. Standard library IDs explosives, narcotics, CWAs, household chemicals, industrial chemicals, user-customizable library. Simple controls, easy-to-read screen designed for Level A gear use. Designed with input from hazmat technicians, StreetLab Mobile is ergonomically optimized for ease-of-use in Level A gear, with large buttons, straightforward on-board LCD screen readouts, joystick function, and point-and-shoot operation. Made of highly durable and fully decontaminable Lexan.
Real-Time Analyzers, Inc.
Product: RamanEye-Safe (PFA) spectrometer
For: Laboratory, process, and field applications
Dimensions: 19.78 × 15.77 × 7.41 in., 30 lb
Suggested applications: Homeland security: chemical agents, poisons, and explosives. Hazardous materials: toxic industrial chemicals. Drug enforcement: illegal drugs, controlled substances, fraudulent drugs. Forensics and crime scene: unknown solids and liquids. Imported food: pesticide contamination, illegal additives. QC: raw materials, intermediates, finished products.
Special features: Uses 1550-nm laser excitation, making it retina-safe. Rugged, portable, battery operated, designed for operation in demanding environments, such as field or plant operations. Provides fluorescence-free, x-axis stable, uniform resolution, research-grade performance.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product: TruScan RM
Dimensions: 19.3 × 10.7 × 4.4 mm, 0.9 kg
Raman Spectrum Range: 250–2875 cm-1
Suggested applications: Incoming raw material identity verification and counterfeit identification. Designed for use by nonexpert users. Nondestructive point-and-shoot operation provides pass/fail result and enables material identification through sealed packaging to minimize the risk of contamination and exposure.
Primary benefits: Built-in self-test diagnostics, including system checks at the start of every measurement, and system calibration to NIST and AS standards.
Special features: Increased identification because of improved optics; lightweight, fast, and ergonomically designed for comfort and productivity, half the size and weight of competing products and delivers results up to 5× faster, meets stringent global GMP requirements while streamlining incoming raw material inspection.
Wasatch Photonics
Product: BigBlock f/1.6
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Dimensions: 203 × 203 × 80 mm
Measurement mode: Reflection
Specialty accessory: Raman probe uses .37 NA fibers to match spectrometer input NA
Suggested applications: Process control, security, forensics, handheld Raman
Special features: High throughput VPH grating spectrograph, back thinned CCD, available for 532-, 660-, 785-, 830-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths, compatible with Andor camera line
Product: Stroker f/1.3
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld analysis
Dimensions: 125 × 120 × 50 mm
Measurement mode: Reflection
Specialty accessory: Raman probe uses .37 NA fibers to match spectrometer input NA, free space laser module contains 785-nm VPG stabilized laser with razor-edge Raman filters.
Suggested applications: Process control, security, forensics, handheld Raman
Primary benefits: Short integration times, low laser power feasible so samples don't burn, available for 532-, 660-, 785-, 830-, and 1064-nm excitation wavelengths
Special features: High-throughput VPH grating spectrograph, back thinned CCD, OEM handheld Raman solution
WITec GmbH
Product: True Surface Microscopy
For: Microscopy and topographic Raman imaging
Measurement mode: Reflection
Suggested applications: Characterization of micromechanical, medical, or semiconductor devices; mapping of functionalized surfaces; imaging of biomedical or pharmaceutical material surface properties; geoscience
Primary benefits: Allows confocal Raman imaging along heavily inclined or very rough samples with the true surface held in constant focus while maintaining the highest confocality. With the new imaging mode, sample can be automatically characterized as is. Allows scan ranges of up to 50 × 100 mm with a spatial resolution on the order of 100 nm vertically and 10 µm laterally. Measuring distances of 10 mm and more provides flexibility for variable sample size requirements. In combination with AFM, the profilometer can be used as a pre-inspection tool to determine topographic features of interest for high-resolution AFM investigations on large samples.
Special features: Integrated sensor for optical profilometry. Large-area topographic coordinates from the profilometer measurement can be correlated with the large-area confocal Raman imaging data.
SOFTWARE
ABB Analytical Measurement
Product: Horizon MB FT-IR software suite to design and deploy FT-NIR-based QA applications
For: Laboratory and process QA. Supports all FT-NIR measurement modes.
Suggested applications: Laboratory QA measurements in the life sciences, chemical, and oil and gas industries, general purpose MID-IR and near-IR laboratory spectroscopy for biotechnology, oil and gas downstream, semiconductor, pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product, or fine chemicals, nutraceuticals/cosmetics, polyols, and related chemistries, polyurethanes and related chemistries, oleochemicals, agrochemicals, and many other chemical applications.
Primary benefits: Intuitive workflow, ease of use, integration between design, and deployment tools
Special features: Integrates with the MB3600 FT-NIR spectrometer and provides features for QA method development and deployment.
Advanced Chemistry Development Inc. (ACD/Labs)
Product: ACD/Spectrus processor
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: All-in-one, multi-technique, multi-vendor analytical processing and chemical characterization tool for synthetic and process chemists
Primary benefits: Ease of use, efficiency, and productivity
Special features: Process multiple techniques with one software package (NMR, MS/LC/UV, IR, and more). Supports data formats from almost any instrument, structure verification algorithms help automatically confirm structures, one-click reporting, ability to search corporate and commercial databases.
Agilent Technologies
Product: Intelligent System Emulation Technology (ISET)
For: Laboratory applications
Accessories: HPLC and ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system emulator. ISET can emulate other LC systems for transfer of methods between them, regardless of brand.
Suggested applications: LC method transfer, development, and fine-tuning; QA/QC; upgrade of methods from legacy equipment to new systems
Special features: Easy method transfer between newer and legacy LC systems
Analyze IQ Ltd.
Product: Analyze IQ Lab Software
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Informatics Division
Product: KnowItAll Informatics System, 8.3, for analytical techniques: IR, Raman, NIR, NMR, MS, UV–vis, chromatography
Primary benefits: A fully integrated chemistry software and database package that provides scientific researchers multiple tools, including database building and management, search, analysis, structure drawing, and reporting all within a single user interface. Can be used in the management and analysis of spectral data in applications such as polymer and materials, environmental, forensics, and pharmaceuticals.
Special features: Users can improve spectral interpretations by building a knowledge base of functional groups and corresponding bands from their own data to use in conjunction with the built-in knowledge base.
Product: HaveItAll UV-Vis Spectral Databases
Suggested applications: Resource for a wide array of application areas in the identification classification, verification, and interpretation of UV–vis spectra.
Primary benefits: Access high-quality spectra of pure organic compounds. UV–vis peak table contains position/height of peak, absorption, extinction coefficient. Each record includes additional information such as CAS name, chemical structure, molecular formula, weight, polar surface area, solvent, concentration, and pathlength. Search by peak, name, structure, substructure, or other property fields included.
Eigenvector Research, Inc.
Product: PLS Toolbox for use with MATLAB chemometrics software
Suggested applications: PCA, PLS-DA (unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition), PLS, CLS (quantification), MCR (spectral un-mixing), multivariate statistical process control, and quality control
Primary benefits: Ease of use (extensive user interfaces), intuitive work flow, multiple platforms and file formats, fully supported including short courses, consulting, documentation, and videos.
Special features: Advanced preprocessing (including decluttering for enhancing signal) and capability to export models for stand-alone application (for example, using Solo Predictor).
Product: Solo stand-alone chemometrics software
Suggested applications: PCA, PLS-DA (unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition), PLS, CLS (quantification), MCR (spectral un-mixing), multivariate statistical process control, and quality control
Primary benefits: Ease of use (extensive user interfaces), intuitive work flow, multiple platforms and file formats, fully supported including short courses, consulting, documentation, and videos.
Special features: Advanced preprocessing (including decluttering for enhancing signal) and capability to export models for stand alone application (for example, using Solo Predictor).
Product: Solo Predictor stand-alone chemometrics prediction engine
Suggested applications: PCA, PLS-DA (unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition), PLS, CLS (quantification), multivariate statistical process control and QC.
Primary benefits: Ease of use (extensive user interfaces), intuitive work flow, multiple platforms and file formats, fully supported including short courses, consulting, documentation, and videos.
Special features: Advanced preprocessing (including decluttering for enhancing signal). Utilizes models from PLS Toolbox and Solo for stand-alone applications.
Product: MIA Toolbox for use with Solo or PLS Toolbox
Suggested applications: PCA, SIMCA, PLS-DA (unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition), PLS, CLS, GLS (target detection and quantification), MCR (spectral unmixing), multivariate statistical process control and quality control.
Primary benefits: Ease of use (extensive user interfaces), intuitive work flow, multiple platforms and file formats, fully supported including short courses, consulting, documentation, and videos.
Special features: Advanced preprocessing (including decluttering for enhancing signal), particle size analysis, MAF, MDF, can export models for stand-alone application (for example, using Solo Predictor).
Fiveash Data Management, Inc.
Product: FDM Raman Minerals
For: Laboratory, handheld applications
Suggested applications: Mining support, general-purpose qualitative ID, gemological ID, museum and private collection curation
Primary benefits: Can use nondestructive Raman sampling instead of visual inspection to characterize common, rare, and precious mineral samples
Special features: 6000 mineral spectra derived from one of the world's best mineral collections with >2000 mineral species; high quality and the best available, in that many compositions have been verified with a variety of techniques including Raman, FT-IR, XRD and electron microprobe; data are offered in two forms: the high-resolution standard range spectra cover the fingerprint region and the lower resolution, and extended range spectra go out to 6600 cm-1; lasers used include 514 nm, 532 nm, 780 nm, and 785 nm; available in numerous Raman library formats
Product: FDM Raman Organics
For: Laboratory and handheld applications
Suggested applications: General-purpose qualitative ID, structure elucidation
Primary benefits: Quality data from quality samples and instrumentation, many matching ATR/FT-IR spectra are also available
Special features: Portable, equation transfer, battery powered. This new library of 500 small and medium-sized model organic compounds covers from 200 to 3200 cm-1 and is run with a 150-mw, 780-nm laser and white light intensity correction on a benchtop spectrometer with better than 6 cm-1 resolution. Spectra have a S/N of 500, which makes them useful for both the laboratory and handheld systems in the field or on the plant floor. The laser was properly focused for all samples. Available in numerous Raman library formats.
Product: FDM Raman Polymers
For: Laboratory, handheld applications
Suggested applications: General purpose qualitative ID, structure elucidation
Primary benefits: Quality data from quality samples and instrumentation. Many matching ATR/FT-IR spectra are also available in the FDM ATR polymers library.
Special features: This new library of 700 spectra consists of ~100 plasticizers, 200 monomers, and 500 neat polymers and covers from 200 to 3200 cm-1 . The spectra were run with a 150-mw, 780-nm laser and white light intensity correction on a benchtop spectrometer with better than 6 cm-1 resolution. Spectra have a S/N of 500, which makes them useful for both the laboratory and handheld systems in the field or on the plant floor. The laser was properly focused for all samples. Available in numerous Raman library formats.
Operant LLC
Product: Essential FT-IR software
For: Laboratory and process applications
Suggested applications: Processing of infrared data
Primary benefits: Can read many instrument file formats. Spectra can be exported directly to Excel, MATLAB, and other formats, making it useful for manipulating the large amounts of data common in chemometrics applications. Software embeds tools for spectral manipulations, conversions, and analysis in an intuitive and simple interface. Multistep batch processing of large data sets is easy to do and requires no programming. Robust field-tested implementations of CLS and PLS are included. Built-in spectral library searching can take advantage of hundreds of thousands of reference spectra from third parties. Can be extended and customized with scripts written in the Python programming language.
Special features: Free full-featured 30-day trial version available on the website. After the trial period, Essential FT-IR can still be used as a free file viewer for all the supported file types.
OriginLab
Product: OriginPro 8.5.1 software
For: Laboratory applications
Suggested applications: Any application requiring peak detection, peak fitting, and peak analysis reports.
Primary benefits: Users may create their own timesaving analysis templates with custom reports. Peak data files may be batch-processed.
Special features: Peak analyzer wizard that can create baselines and automatically find overlapping peaks and perform peak fitting; Peak Analyzer supports analysis themes, analysis templates, and custom reports.
Real-Time Analyzer, Inc.
Product: SERS Library
For: Laboratory, handheld applications
Suggested applications: Homeland security; first responders; law enforcement; trace chemical identification of explosives, chemical weapons, narcotics, hazardous materials; research
Primary benefits: Not all chemicals are SERS active, and most change spectral features compared to Raman spectra because of molecule-to-surface interactions. The library can be used to verify measurements and speed analysis.
Special features: Surface-enhanced Raman spectral library consisting of 500 biochemicals, chemicals, chemical agents, explosives, drugs, and pesticides. Many chemicals have been measured on both silver and gold substrates. Ideal for the SERS-ID portable analyzer. Includes software for doing library searches. The spectra were collected using an interferometer, so that spectral resolution is uniform, and the library can be transferred to other, even dispersive, analyzers.
Silk Scientific, Inc.
Product: UN-SCAN-IT graph digitizing software
For: Laboratory data analysis
Suggested applications: Can be used to extract (x, y) data values from hard copy graphs, instrumental strip charts, and published graphs.
Primary benefits: Allows scientists to extract useful data from old graphs, hard copy graphs, and published graphs.
Special features: Automatic graph digitizing features and user-selectable data spacing
S.T. Japan, Inc.
Product: ATR-FT-IR and Raman spectral databases
Suggested applications: Identification of unknown compounds
Primary benefits: Databases available with large selection of individual applications libraries such as polymers and polymer additives, forensic compounds, hazardous and toxic materials, pharmaceuticals, and excipients.
Special features: Formatted to work directly with the spectral software operating on user's FT-IR or Raman spectrometer.
Symbion Systems, Inc.
Product: SII-An03 Symbion Driver for Applied Instrument Technology's Analect FT-IR spectrometers instrumentation software
Product: SII-BRK02 Symbion Driver for Bruker FT-IR spectrometers instrumentation software
Product: SII-En01 Symbion Driver for Enwave Raman spectrometers instrumentation software
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Suggested applications: These drivers integrate the operation of instruments of these three companies with diverse multivariate analysis packages; provide process trending and display as well as interfacing with data historians, SCADA, and DCS.
Primary benefits: Eliminates the need to train operators on multiple software packages. Facilitates the use of Analect spectrometers for on-line process analysis. Integrates all analytical functions in a single package. Facilitates the simultaneous operation of Analect spectrometers with other instruments, synchronizes their operation, manages the analysis of the data produced, and reports the results to enterprise data systems via MODBUS, OPC, or TCP/IP.
Product: Symbion-RX process Analytical Software Suite, Version 2.5 instrumentation software
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Suggested applications: Operation of all spectrometers and other analytical instruments, integration with diverse multivariate analysis packages, process trending and display, interfacing with data historians, SCADA, and DCS.
Primary benefits: Enables any spectrometer to be used for on-line process analysis. Provides a common software platform for the operation of most instruments. Integrates all analytical functions in a single package. Facilitates the simultaneous operation of diverse instruments, synchronizes their operation, manages the analysis of the data produced, and reports the results to enterprise data systems via MODBUS, OPC, or TCP/IP.
Special features: Operates on the Oracle Standard Edition database
Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.thermoscientific.com/exactfinder
Product: ExactFinder Mass Spectrometer software
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: Screening and quantitation of known and unknown chemical contaminants by LC–MS high-resolution accurate MS
Primary benefits: Fast data processing, high productivity
Special features: Handles high resolution accurate mass data from Orbitrap Library of 1000+ components for environmental and food safety, screens and quantifies.
TERAHERTZ SPECTROSCOPY
Applied Research and Photonics
Product: TeraSpectra terahertz spectrometer
For: Terahertz spectroscopy
Measurement modes: Time-domain, transmission, reflection, FT
Suggested applications: Molecular characterization, trace analysis, analytical, biomedical, DNA, SNP, and so forth
Primary benefits: Cost-effective with high performance because of its dendrimer technology. A high power source enables probing of a wide variety of specimens, thus expanding the scope of the spectrometer. Both transmission and reflection (option) measurements. Solid, liquid, and gaseous specimens. High S/N. Label-free characterization. Stabilized beam diameter for uniform exposure. Beam size may be controlled to suit other requirements (optional). Temperature and environment control chamber option. Time-domain measurements can be conducted over a time span of sub-picoseconds to a few tens of picoseconds with an equivalent frequency range of 0.1–30 THz. This wide range allows characterization of a number of molecular events important for biomedical and materials research. The spectrometer applications may be developed in diagnostics, pharmaceutical, and related areas.
Special features: Tabletop, room temperature operation. Software and a personal computer are included in the package, 21CFR11 and cGMP compliant, can be used in other equipment. Time resolution <33 fs. Time span up to 100 ps. Frequency range of 0.1–30 THz. Next generation EO dendrimer. Source power >5 mW. Sensitivity ~ 100 fmol. Ambient transmission/reflection mode operating conditions.
UV–VISIBLE
Avantes BV
Product: AvaSpec Sensline, UV-vis Czerny Turner Spectrometers
For: Laboratory, process, field analysis, fluorescence, luminescence, Raman
Measurement mode: Transmission, reflection, irradiance, absorbance
Suggested applications: Fluorescence, luminescence, high-sensitivity applications such as Raman
Primary benefits: High-sensitivity detector, high-throughput optical bench, low stray light
Special features: High quantum efficiency backthinned CCD spectrometer line; high-speed acquisition, low noise
B&W Tek, Inc.
Product: Quest X fiber coupled UV–vis/NIR spectrometer
For: Laboratory, process, handheld analysis
Measurement mode: Fiber-optic coupled
Special accessories: Fiber-optic patch cords, light sources, custom probes
Suggested applications: WL identification, absorbance, reflectance
Primary benefits: Compact, low cost, custom configurations, low noise
Special features: USB powered, can be used in OEM Optical Instrumentation Building Blocks
Product: Glacier X, TE-cooled miniature CCD spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Measurement mode: Fiber-optic coupled
Special accessory: Fiber-optic patch cords, light sources, specialty probes
Suggested applications: Identification, absorbance, reflectance, UV–vis, and NIR spectroscopy, spectroradiometry, spectrophotometry, WL identification; applications requiring long integration times, such as fluorescence and Raman
Special features: TE-cooled linear array, UV–NIR ranges, 0.6–4.0 nm resolution range, TE cooled/regulated, 16-bit digitizer, 500-kHz readout speed, plug-and-play USB 2.0 (OEM version available), smallest, most compact TE-cooled spectrometer on the market, provides baseline stability and low dark noise
Product: i-Spec Vis/NIR fiber-coupled spectrophotometer
Dimensions: 9.5 × 6.7 × 13.7 in.
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Measurement mode: Fiber-optic probe
Special features: Broadband transmission, reflection, absorption measurements. Portable, rugged, turnkey design. USB 2.0 plug-and-play interface, flexible fiber coupling of sampling accessories. Battery option available.
Accessories: Light sources, probes, and other sampling accessories
Suggested applications: Agricultural, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical, material diffuse property characterizations, opaque chemical solution analysis, bench-top and in-field spectrophotometric measurements
Primary benefits: Complete system with spectrometer and light source included, software controlled. Uses convenient and flexible fiber-optic input/output, allows users to easily configure system for various applications.
Special features: Convenient handle for portability, extended InGaAs array detector with a built-in AutoZero function, resulting in low noise and high dynamic range, measures from 200 to 2550 nm.
Leap Technologies
Product: OPT-DISS Fiber-Optic UV
For: Laboratory and process applications
Special accessory: ARCH probe
Suggested applications: Dissolution and PAT (measuring initial API dissolution)
Primary benefits: Semiautomated sample analysis for dissolution monitoring. Ability to have detailed dissolution curves.
Special features: Uses fiber-optic probe to measure dissolution rates in situ; ability to measure UV spectrum simultaneously for up to 12 channels, from 200 to 420 nm as fast as every 5 s
Ocean Optics
Product: STS Microspectrometer (vis–NIR)
For: OEM spectroscopy, laboratory, industry
Measurement modes: Absorbance, transmission, emission, reflectance (color)
Suggested applications: LED characterization, color measurement, absorbance of solutions
Primary benefits: Excellent spectroscopic performance in a very small footprint, easy to embed into OEM devices; good thermal stability for process applications
Special features: Optical fiber fixed to entrance aperture, small size (50 × 50 mm), CMOS detector (1024 elements); built-in shutter for dark measurements; versions for 350–800 nm and 650–1100 nm
Product: Torus Spectrometer
For: Laboratory, process analysis, OEM
Measurement mode: Absorbance, emission, transmittance, reflectance
Suggested applications: Analysis of trace gas amounts in the atmosphere, absorbance of solutions with high OD, medical dosimetry, LED and light source characterization, fluorescence in solutions and powders
Primary benefits: Low stray light, high throughput, and thermal stability
Special features: Aberration-corrected concave diffraction grating
Product: Optical pH sensors
For: Laboratory, process analysis
Measurement mode: Absorbance of colorimetric pH indicator dye
Suggested applications: pH in turbid media, bioreactor environments, biological samples
Primary benefits: Turns spectrometer into a drift-free pH meter
Special features: USP Class VI certified for biocompatibility, robust sol-gel sensor media with pH indicator dye, available in desktop and handheld versions, and in probe, cuvette, or patch form factors
Photon Control Inc.
Product: SPM-002-XT64 UV–vis spectrometer
Dimensions: 101.5 × 110 × 53.4 mm
Specialty accessory: Light sources, reflectance probes, and cuvettes available.
Software: Interface includes data logging and beam profiling that can be user integrated using software development kits for Labview, Visual C++ and Visual Basic, convenient high speed USB 2.0 interface, and 16-bit A/D resolution.
Suggested applications: Plasma monitoring, laser characterization and tuning, biophotonics, quantum dot analysis, thin film thickness measurement, reflectance, transmission, absorption, gas analysis, molar concentration, optical inspection, chemical analysis, fluorescence, sensors, food inspection
Primary benefits: High resolution, low cost
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered, US, 2048 × 64 pixel array collects light efficiently from large core optical fibers for high resolution and sensitivity, dynamic range of 6520:1, 16 bit A/D converter resolution, antiblooming benefits, proprietary optical design to achieve a higher resolution
StellarNet, Inc.
Product: BLACK-Comet-HR high resolution UV–vis spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Dimensions: 69 × 100 × 150 mm
Measurement mode: Transmission, absorbance, reflection, irradiance, film thickness
Software: Free SpectraWiz software suite available as separate product, 21CFR11 compliant.
Suggested applications: Chemical absorption, transmission of optics, irradiance of light sources. OEM application. NIR with chemometrics
Primary benefits: Uses a holographic concave grating with aberration correction to provide spectral imaging; improves spectral shapes by reducing comma and astigmatism found in all other plane grating miniature spectrometer designs; the flat-field spectrograph architecture does not use mirrors, thus reducing stray-light effects while providing uniform resolution across the entire spectral range.
Special features: Designed for high resolution applications, available for measurements in two ranges: UV (200–600 nm) and visible (380–750 nm) and achieves resolving resolutions of 0.4 nm. 16-bit, USB-2 powered, shock-proof and vibration tolerant with no moving parts, high resolution concave grating
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product: Thermo Scientific Evolution 200 UV–vis spectrophotometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Measurement mode: Transmission
Accessories: Wide accessory selection with various temperature control options, sample changers, sippers, and solid sampling devices; choice of Peltier Single Cell Holder or a Smart 8-Cell Peltier system for temperature control and sample monitoring from 0 to 100 °C; smart accessories enable accurate, cost-effective sample handling with automated software recognition and programmable control; fiber-optic accessories increase productivity and extend sampling options; mercury lamp accessory is available to perform instrument calibration; application-focused beam geometry (AFGB) technology tailors the instrument's optical system to specific applications for microcells, solid sampling, and fiber optics
Software: Insight software has been designed to simplify method creation and results interpretation. The data browser feature previews a thumbnail of results before opening the file and sorts by workbook type, file name, and date. Workbook format helps organize data, method, and accessory options by saving them all in one place. Workbook can be reopened to continue capturing data using the same instrument configuration. Software also includes Cue scripting capabilities, which enables the creation of a customized interface and simplified workflow. Cue works with Insight to display the most relevant information for the given application, to help improve accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput in the laboratory software.
Suggested applications: Designed for routine QA/QC analyses in the life science, food and beverage, and material science industries. The three instruments satisfy specific applications from standard quantitative analysis to research in life science assays.
Primary benefits: Simplifies UV–vis spectroscopy for users performing QA/QC analyses but who still require high performance. Fast data collection rates for kinetics measurements (up to 100 data points/s). Combine high performance and straightforward software, enabling personalized operation for greater productivity.
Special features: Double-beam geometry with 1-nm spectral bandwidth for precision measurements; xenon flash lamp requires no warm-up time, allowing instant measurements; electronic triggering provides a high level of accuracy for rapid-mixing kinetics measurements; precision monochromator drive delivers fast scanning data collection and wavelength accuracy.
X-RAY
Amptek Inc.
Product: X123-SDD (silicon drift detector) with new C Series X-ray Window
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld applications
Dimensions: 2.7 × 3.9 × 1 in.
Suggested applications: X-ray fluorescence, RoHS/WEEE, portable instruments, OEM, nuclear medicine, teaching and research, art and archaeology, process control, space and astronomy
Primary benefits: Compact integrated system; 127 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV; P/B of 8000:1; maximum count rate up to 5.6 × 105 cps; low cost
Special features: Low cost, compact, complete X-ray detector system that includes X-ray detector, preamplifier, digital pulse processor, MCA power supply, interface with PC, software. Accessories available for vacuum applications. Mini-X miniature X-ray tube system, which includes the X-ray tube, high-voltage supply, and USB controller. Low energy C Series windows for XRF provides an alternative to the beryllium (Be) window and extends the low energy response of the Amptek Super SDD down to carbon (C).
Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc.
Product: Rigaku NEX QC EDXRF
For: Laboratory applications
Suggested applications: Petroleum, sulfur, cement, wood treatment
Special features: Fundamental parameters for no or fewer calibration standards
Eastern Applied Research Inc.
Product: Element Xr CE-P XRF Analyzer
For: Laboratory, process applications
Accessory: Customizable to client needs, slotted chamber, compact chamber
Suggested applications: Coating thickness measurement needs from basic single layer measurements to complex coating systems.
Primary benefits: Great price-to-performance ratio, comes standard with basic instrument requirements but features can be adjusted to meet specific interests.
Special features: Compact dimensions, sound build, efficient measurement capability
Elvatech Ltd
Product: ElvaX ProSpector XRF Spectrometer
For: Handheld analysis
Special features: Battery powered
Suggested applications: Alloy sorting, PMI, mining, RoHS, lead in paint, soils
PANalytical
Product: Epsilon 3, Epsilon 3XL high-performance benchtop energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
Dimensions: Epsilon 3: 9.1 × 20.9 × 20.1 in., 89 lb; Epsilon 3XL: 10.6 × 20.9. × 20.1 in., 93.5 lb
For: Laboratory analysis, process control
Measurement mode: Reflection
Suggested applications: Wide range of applications in cement production, mining, mineral beneficiation, petroleum, polymers, heavy metal contaminants and additives in polymers, petroleum analysis, RoHS, clinker and cement analysis, pharmaceutical quality control and rapid counterfeit detection, analysis of foods, household products and cosmetics, and minerals analysis
Primary benefits: Ease of use, assisted application setup, great ability to detect fluorine, analysis software for standardless quantitative analysis and rapid identification and screening
Special features: Portable, benchtop, worldwide support online, capable of handling a wide range of sample types, shapes and sizes. Epsilon 3 instruments are benchtop units powered by excitation and detection technology, reliable and simple to operate, outstanding analytical performance from fluorine (F) to uranium (U). Epsilon 3XL has a unique power envelope, up to 50 kV and 3 mA. Both have silicon drift detector technology, a count rate capacity >200,000 cps, and a count rate independent resolution better than 135 eV. Epsilon 3XL can analyze large samples by removing the changer carousel. Both systems can be equipped with analysis packages for standardless quantitative analysis (Omnian software) and rapid identification and screening analysis (FingerPrint software). High sensitivity through smart excitation and detection.
Shimadzu
Product: EDX-LE XRF spectrometer
For: Laboratory analysis
Suggested applications: RoHS/ELV screening
Primary benefits: Fast, easy screening of elements regulated by RoHS/ELV directives; low operation costs; easy maintenance
Special features: Large sample chamber enables measurements of large samples; detector (Si-PIN) does not require liquid nitrogen; automated functions improve operability
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product: Thermo Scientific Niton FXL Field-Mobile XRF (FM-XRF)
For: Laboratory, process, and handheld analysis. Bridges the gap between laboratory and handheld XRF.
Dimensions: 10 × 14 × 12 in.
Accessories: Sample spinner, X-Y sample stage, collimated beam (8-, 3-, 1-mm spot size)
Measurement mode: EDXRF
Suggested applications: Mining and exploration, RoHS compliance testing, CPSIA and EN-71 compliance testing
Primary benefits: Lower detection limits than handheld XRF analyzers, lab-grade features that ease measurement of geological samples, PCBs, toys, and other consumer products
Special features: Combines laboratory features (such as 10-W X-ray tube, options for X-Y sample stage, multiple beam spot sizes, and sample spinner) with a robust platform engineered for field use, runs on AC power or rechargeable batteries
Product: Thermo Scientific ARL Perform'X advanced wavelength-dispersive XRF spectrometer
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Measurement mode: Fluorescence with excitation by X-ray source
Specialty accessory description: Small spot and mapping capabilities
Suggested applications: Process control, R&D, routine cause investigations for petrochemical, geochemical, material science, metals, and mining
Primary benefits: Small spot, surface mapping, increase sensitivity, completely gearless goniometer
Xenemetrix Ltd.
Product: EX-6600 SDD X-Ray Spectrometer (EDXRF) and EX-7600 Light Element X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF)
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Measurement mode: X-ray fluorescence
Accessories: Options available: 18-position carousel autosampler, sample spinner, professional fundamental parameters; complete XRF analysis is possible, with or without standards; air, vacuum, and helium atmosphere options; high-resolution SDD is electronically cooled, liquid nitrogen free, combines up to 400-W tube power with SDD, has eight customizable filters, and eight secondary targets mange by software for fast and accurate element detection.
Suggested applications: Mining and minerals, metallurgical, environmental, petrochemical, radioactive materials research
Primary benefits: Nondestructive elemental analysis of sodium (Na) through uranium (U) in solids, liquids, powders, and thin films from parts-per-billion levels to 100%
Special features: Sensitivity, selectivity, resolution (FWHM) is 131 eV ± 5 eV at 5.9 keV
Product: S-Mobile SDD X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF)
For: Laboratory and process analysis
Weight: 22 kg
Accessory/component: Field approval with GPS (global positioning system), data transmission anywhere in the world, advanced data server, CCD camera, professional fundamental parameters, complete XRF analysis is possible, with or without standards.
Measurement mode: XRF
Suggested applications: Low sulfur in oil and diesel applications, environmental, minerals and mining
Primary benefits: Nondestructive elemental analysis of sodium (Na) through uranium (U) in solids, liquids, powders, and thin films from parts-per-billion levels to 100%.
Special features: Air and helium options. Light elements detection in the new S-Mobile system enabled using 50-W tube power with SDD at a resolution of 127 eV, four software selectable filters for fast and accurate mobile ability with integrated helium atmosphere, sensitivity, selectivity, resolution (FWHM) is 127 eV ± 5 eV at 5.9 keV
Product: X-Calibur SDD X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF)
For: Laboratory, process applications
Measurement mode: XRF
Accessories: Options available: 16 position carousel autosampler, sample spinner, professional fundamental parameters, CCD camera
Suggested applications: Low sulfur in oil and diesel applications, petrochemical, polymers, metallurgical, environmental, minerals
Primary benefits: Nondestructive elemental analysis of sodium (Na) through uranium (U) in solids, liquids, powders, and thin films from parts-per-billion levels to 100%
Special features: Air, vacuum, and helium atmosphere options. Combines 50-W tube power with SDD and six filters, sensitivity, selectivity, resolution (FWHM) is 131 eV ± 5 eV at 5.9 keV
Howard Mark serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and runs a consulting service, Mark Electronics (Suffern, NY). He can be reached via e-mail: hlmark@prodigy.net
The Single-Bullet Theory Comes to New York – But Was it a Direct Hit?
November 22nd 2023Pete Diaczuk of John Jay College of Criminal Justice gave a recollection at EAS 2023 of a case he worked on in Manhattan involving a victim fatally shot, incomplete ballistic evidence, and the wrong gun recovered at the scene.
