New Products

Alpes Lasers has released a line of frequency-comb QCLs. A frequency comb, which is a laser source whose spectrum consists of a series of discrete, equally spaced frequency lines, can be used for fast, high-sensitivity, high-resolution spectroscopy. With up to 200 mW of power spread over more than 100 comb teeth, the Alpes QCLs cover the mid-infrared (IR) “fingerprint” region useful for identifying a wide range of complex molecules, such as organic molecules, pollutants, and explosives. QCL-based dual-comb spectroscopy offers the possibility to acquire high-resolution spectra over a wide spectral range of several tens of cm⁻¹ in a very short acquisition time on the order of microseconds or in quasi-real time. The technique combines the advantages of distributed feedback-QCLs—narrow linewidth and mode-hop-free tuning—with the large wavelength coverage of external cavity QCLs. According to the company, the QCLs’ commercial availability may contribute to advancements in broadband mid-IR spectroscopy—Alpes Lasers SA, Ave des Pâquiers 1, CH-2072 St-Blaise, Switzerland. (+41 32729 95 10) http://www.alpeslasers.ch

Calmar Laser has added the X-920 model to its Carmel X-series of ultrafast fiber lasers. It was developed for multiphoton imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants; the company claims that it is the only compact femtosecond fiber laser source that offers <100 fs pulses with over 0.6 W of output power at 920 nm, enabling enhanced GFP imaging when using mutated proteins. It is over 100 times smaller than many titanium (Ti):sapphire lasers with a similar output power level, and can easily be integrated into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) microscope designs. The air-cooled system features a rack-mountable controller with a robust armored cable interface to the compact laser head. The design allows for straightforward integration into existing microscopes with minimal delivery optics. A simple key switch interface provides for manual operation with full remote access through computer control; a radio frequency synchronization output is also provided as a trigger signal. The X-series offers remote data logging and includes power monitoring, system diagnostics, and automated adjustment of the second harmonic crystal. The rugged design has an expected lifetime of >10 000 h. The Carmel X-920 can be specified with a repetition rate from 10 MHz to 80 MHz and provides a clean pulse width of <120 fs with minimal pulse pedestal. The system delivers high beam quality of M² < 1.2 and excellent long-term pulse-to-pulse stability (<1% rms) over the wide operating temperature range of 17–30 °C to ensure reliable results for tissue imaging applications. For multiphoton microscopy applications, the Carmel X-920 is a suitable excitation source for enhanced GFP imaging using mutated proteins that exhibit up to two orders of magnitude higher fluorescence signals. Applications also include optogenetics, harmonic generation and fluorescence lifetime imaging, nonlinear spectroscopy, optical metrology, and replacement of a Ti:sapphire laser—Calmar Laser, 951 Commercial Street, Palo Also, California 94303. (650-272-6980) http://www.calmarlaser.com

With Photek’s iCMOS 160 camera, a readout of 160 fps at 2.2 megapixels and optional ultrafast 3-ns gating enable fast, high-sensitivity measurements in such time-resolved applications as plasma physics and fluorescence lifetime imaging. Rates of more than 1000 fps are possible at reduced frame size. The complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor is fiber-optically coupled to the image intensifier for optimal image quality and light transmission. Custom versions of iCMOS 160 can be delivered with any of Photek’s many image intensifiers, including those with high ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity and sizes up to 40 mm in diameter. A plug-and-play universal serial bus 3.0 interface, fully integrated gate unit, and intuitive Image32 software ensure easy setup and operation. Photek has also announced that its HRPCS and IPD advanced photon counting cameras have been updated to provide optimal performance for ultralow-light applications that require true photon counting. Photek products support specialist applications in high-energy, particle, and nuclear physics; physical chemistry; bioluminescence; space science and defense; and material and biological inspection—Photek, 26 Castleham Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9NS, United Kingdom. (+44 (0)1424 850555) http://www.photek.com

The entry-level E-series 512 × 512-pixel liquid-crystal-on-silicon SLM from Meadowlark Optics is suitable for users who do not require the high speed of the company’s premium SLMs. The economical E-series models feature pure analog phase control and are fabricated to be optically flat. Native flatness can be as low as λ/8; with the SLMs’ wavefront correction capabilities, the compensated flatness can be better than λ/12. The model E512-λ-DVI has a backplane refresh rate of 6 kHz and a direct analog drive scheme that provides high phase stability. Each pixel can be refreshed at rates far surpassing the response time of the liquid crystal to deliver phase ripple as low as 0.20%. The device can transfer 16-bit images across the digital visual interface at a rate of 60–200 Hz, depending on the graphics card used. With 16-bits of analog voltage resolution, the SLM can be used to easily obtain more than 1000 linear resolvable phase levels. The λ/1000 phase resolution can be maintained over a broad wavelength range by tuning the look-up-tables/calibrations for the user’s incident wavelength—Meadowlark Optics, Inc., 5964 Iris Parkway, Frederick, Colorado 80504. (303-833-4333) http://www.meadowlark.com

Craic Technologies has designed a reliable, robust Raman microspectometer for routine research. According to Craic, its Apollo II instrument features high sensitivity, high resolution, a broad spectral range, and rapid sampling times. Scientists and engineers can use it to measure the Raman spectra from microscopic samples or for microscope sampling areas of large samples, such as semiconductors. Apollo II can also be added to the company’s 20/30 PV microspectrophotometer to give it the ability to collect Raman microspectra in addition to UV-visible-near-IR absorbance, reflectance, and photoluminescence microspectroscopy and imaging. Users who incorporate Raman spectroscopy with the Craic Technologies UV-visible microspectrophotometer can avoid purchasing a separate instrument or moving the sample between instruments and acquiring the data separately. They can analyze the same microscopic area of the sample under the same conditions without additional sample preparation or instrument alignment and thereby increase laboratory efficiency and sample analysis throughput. The self-contained Apollo II features an advanced optical interface to the microscope, a powerful Raman spectrometer, and advanced software for instrument control and data analysis. The system is designed for use with up to three lasers and with either an optical microscope or a Craic Technologies microspectrophotometer—Craic Technologies, Inc., 948 North Amelia Avenue, San Dimas, California 91773. (877-882-7242 or 310-573-8180) http://www.microspectra.com

OSI Optoelectronics has developed UV-enhanced planar-diffused silicon photodiodes for low-light-level detection in the UV spectral range. According to the company, its UVD and UVE planar-diffused IR-suppressed devices feature excellent UV response and offer technological advantages—including lower capacitance and higher response times—over inversion layer photodiodes and other similar devices. The UVD photodiodes peak at 970 nm; the UVE devices peak at 720 nm and suppress the near-IR. Both can be biased for lower capacitance, wider dynamic range, and high-speed response times. The UVD and UVE series can be operated in the photovoltaic (unbiased) mode for situations that require low drift with temperature variations. OSI’s UV-enhanced planar-diffused Si photodiodes are available in various sizes and footprints and in metal or ceramic packages. Applications include spectroscopy, fluorescence, and medical instrumentation—OSI Optoelectronics, Inc., 12525 Chadron Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250. (310-978-0516) http://www.osioptoelectronics.com/home.aspx

Rigaku Oxford Diffraction has announced a versatile single crystal diffractometer for 3D chemical structure analysis. The high-flux XtaLAB Synergy-DW has a hybrid photon counting detector and offers two wavelengths in one compact system. The system is configured with a fast, efficient four-circle kappa goniometer that is compatible with a wide range of detectors. It combines the increased flux of a rotating anode source with the flexibility of two different wavelengths, which makes it suitable for laboratories exploring a wide range of research interests. The XtaLAB Synergy-DW diffractometer is based on the company’s low-maintenance MicroMax-007 HF microfocus rotating anode x-ray generator. The target is constructed with two different source materials—copper and molybdenum—and is coupled with an auto-switching dual wavelength optic. According to the company, the system offers up to 12× higher flux compared to standard sealed tube sources, but overall maintenance requirements are reduced due to the use of a single generator. The system features the latest version of Rigaku Oxford Diffraction’s CrysAlisPro data collection and data processing software to optimize the fast system for generating 3D structures of crystalline materials—Rigaku Americas Corporation, 9009 New Trails Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-5209. (281-362-2300) https://www.rigaku.com

According to Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, its IRSpirit FTIR spectrophotometer offers excellent functionality for its small size and performs highly reliable contaminant analysis, identification tests, and quantitative measurements. Its design allows access from two sides, and its sample compartment is the widest of any compact FTIR spectrometer. The versatile instrument accommodates existing Shimadzu and third-party accessories, such as attenuated total reflectance and diffuse reflectance, and transmission accessories, such as a potassium bromide pellet holder and demountable cells. The IRSpirit comes with the IR Pilot analysis assistant program, an identification test program, and a contaminant analysis program. IR Pilot is a package of 23 applications that lets analysts measure samples or print results with a few mouse clicks. Users with minimal analytical knowledge can obtain results quickly by simply selecting the accessory and sample form. The identification test program can be used to analyze samples, complete acceptance inspections, and make pre-shipment inspections. The contaminant analysis program accurately identifies contaminates using Shimadzu’s proprietary identification algorithm in combination with spectral libraries. The sealed interferometer that protects the beam splitter from air and moisture also houses electrical humidity and paper-based indicators that work with the LabSolutions IR software to help users monitor the status of the IRSpirit in high-humidity environments. A self-diagnostic function simplifies instrument management. LabSolutions IR software is optimized for network applications and offers intuitive operation, high-level administrative functions, secure data management, and data manipulation functions. An “Easy Macro” program allows users to easily create macros for routine tasks—Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc, 7102 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046. (800-477-1227 or 410-381-1227) http://www.ssi.shimadzu.com

ON Semiconductor has released a 1/4-in., 1.0-megapixel (1280 H × 800 V) CMOS digital image sensor for fast imaging in static and dynamic applications. The model AR0144 sensor captures clean images with no artifacts in both bright and low light conditions. Its high shutter efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio minimize ghosting and noise effects and improve overall image quality. The 3.0-μm-pixel AR0144 incorporates a global shutter design optimized to meet the increasingly stringent demands for fast, accurate capture in static and moving scene applications. The ultracompact sensor is available in monochrome and color. Either 5.6 mm × 5.6 mm chip scale or bare die formats can be selected to ease integration into space-constrained designs. To address the increasing number and diversity of end applications for image sensors, the flexible AR0144 is designed with a comprehensive set of features and capabilities. It offers a choice of master/video, trigger/single frame, and auto trigger operating modes. Exposure time is controlled via a two-wire serial interface, and configuration of both the window size and blanking times allows the resolution and frame rate (up to 60 fps at full resolution) to be adjusted to cover a particular region of interest. The sensor can be customized to match specific application needs through tuning, windowing, adjustable auto-exposure control, auto black level correction, and more—ON Semiconductor, 5005 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85008. (602-244-6600) http://www.onsemi.com

SPR microscopy integrates high-resolution optical microscopy with SPR technology. Combining bright-field and SPR microscopies in one instrument provides a large field of view with high-resolution optics to view single or multiple cells. With Biosensing Instrument’s SPRm 200 system, simultaneous spatial visualization of cells and measurement of affinity/kinetics of cell membrane protein binding can be performed label-free and in real time using one instrument. Binding activities of membrane proteins can be measured in vitro. Phenotypical changes of the sample are measured via bright field and binding strength and kinetics via SPR. The SPRM system provides SPR sensorgrams and binding activity map of individual cells as well as the binding kinetic constants (k_a, k_d, K_D). It allows for nanomotion detection study of bacteria, virus metabolic activity, or binding activities of nanoparticles for drug delivery design—Biosensing Instrument, 947 East Redfield Road, Tempe, Arizona 85283. (480-491-5277) http://biosensingusa.com

Fluid Metering has introduced a 400-μl dispensing pump suitable for medical, analytical, and biotechnology instrumentation. STF1-9 has the same compact dimensions as the company’s STH and STF OEM pump lines but expands the dispensing and metering capabilities of the previous designs. It is available in nine drive configurations from 200 μl through 400 μl in 50-μl increments. Each drive model—STF1, STF2, …, STF9—has an adjustable displacement of ±25 μl. A supplied tool rotates an eccentric bushing to precisely make micro-volume adjustments. Four standard pump head options provide a fluid path with maximum chemical and dispense volume/flow rate compatibility. STF1-9 uses Fluid Metering’s CeramPump valveless fluid transfer technology. One moving part accomplishes both pumping and valveless functions, thereby eliminating the valves present in other reciprocating pump designs. Sapphire-hard ceramic internal components are chemically inert and dimensionally stable, resulting in a pump that will transfer fluid, in micro-volume amounts, at a precision of 0.5% or better for millions of maintenance-free cycles—Fluid Metering, Inc., 5 Aerial Way, Suite 500, Syosset, New York 11791. (800-223-3388 or 516-922-6050) http://fluidmetering.com

Jenoptik Optical Systems has expanded its manufacturing operations in Florida. To support applications with demanding cleanliness requirements such as semiconductor and space flight instrumentation, it has opened an ISO 14644 Class 5 clean room with state-of-the-art filtration technology for high-precision optical assemblies. It has extended the site’s capabilities by investing in a new thermal vacuum chamber for the clean room. The Class 5 clean room complements the existing ISO 14644 Class 7 clean room and triples the amount of clean room space in Florida. It also complements the clean room capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, which is purpose-built to meet the rigorous requirements of leading-edge semiconductor-related manufacturing activities—Jenoptik Optical Systems, LLC, 16490 Innovation Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33478. (561-881-7400) https://www.jenoptik-inc.com

McPherson and Princeton Instruments (PI) have introduced an add-in for PI’s 64-bit LightField software, which controls McPherson’s deep-UV and soft x-ray spectrometers and PI’s soft x-ray cameras. LightField is easy to set up and includes beneficial features such as a real-time math engine, a smart search function, and a virtual optical bench for conveniently managing multiple experimental setups. New and existing McPherson deep-UV and soft x-ray instruments can now more easily be used with PI’s soft x-ray detectors. Captured data can be exported in formats such as TIFF, ASCII, Igor from WaveMetrics, and Origin from OriginLab—McPherson, 7-A Stuart Road, Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824-4107. (978-256-4512) http://mcphersoninc.com

Microstar Laboratories’ application program interface DAPtools for Python enables the use of the Python programming language for high-performance data acquisition applications with desktop GNU/Linux operating systems. It supports the full-featured Python environment and complements Accel64 for Linux software which provides access to data acquisition processor (DAP) board features and functions. The software integrates the flexibility of Python with the company’s DAPL embedded operating system. The DAPL system runs operations with strict time constraints on a DAP board; less time-sensitive data management and display features run in parallel under the Linux kernel. Applications include one-time diagnostic tests, academic research, and scripting for test automation—Microstar Laboratories, Inc., 2265 116th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, Washington 98004. (888-678-2752 or 425-453-2345) http://www.mstarlabs.com

Synopsys’ latest Rsoft product streamline photonic and optoelectronic modeling of silicon photonic and photonic integrated circuit devices and systems. Among the new and enhanced features in RSoft Photonic Component Design Suite version 2017.09 is the S-matrix/process design kit (PDK) generation utility to automate the interface between the RSoft component tools, the RSoft OptSim Circuit tool, and mask layout tools. The utility creates the S-matrix of a photonic component using the RSoft FullWAVE, BeamPROP, and ModePROP tools and exports it to OptSim Circuit to verify its performance in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) or system. The final design can then be easily exported to mask layout tools to create an optical PDK. The interface lets users efficiently create PICs from basic building elements and test PIC performance prior to fabrication. The improved RSoft FullWAVE pulsed and broadband simulation lets users accurately simulate the spectral response of photonic devices over a wide wavelength or spectral range using a single simulation. New features in RSoft Photonic System Design Suite Version 2017.09 include an interface between the RSoft OptSim and OptSim Circuit tools and Synopsys’ HSPICE tool for seamless optoelectronic analysis. The interface supports precise co-simulation of electronic components in photonic circuits in both on-chip and off-chip optical configurations. According to the company, RSoft OptSim and OptSim Circuit are the only photonic simulation tools on the market that offer that capability—Synopsys, Inc., 690 East Middlefield Road, Mountain View, California 94043. (800-541-7737 or 650-584-5000) https://www.synopsys.com