Focus on Analytical Instruments

Varian, Inc has extended its line of cold probes for NMR with the 13C Enhanced HCN (hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen) Cold Probe that enables the use of a single probe, rather than several different ones, to run a wide variety of applications. A probe is a critical device that holds the sample within the magnet bore and makes possible both the transmission and detection of RF signals. A cold probe is cooled to reduce the resistance of its multiple detector coils to zero, and thus reduces noise. The 13C Enhanced HCN Cold Probe features an increased carbon sensitivity that allows four times greater speed or much smaller sample size—by half—in conducting carbon-observe NMR experiments. Such experiments are common in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors where users often must run both hydrogen (proton) and carbon NMR spectra. Varian Inc, 3120 Hansen Way, D-300, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1030, http://www.varianinc.com

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Newport Corp has introduced the OSM-400, a portable spectrometer with a choice of spectral ranges to cover the UV through the near-IR. The UV model offers the 250–550 nm range; the UV/visible model, 250–850 nm; and the VIS-NIR model, 500–1000 nm. Optical input is via a fiberoptic/SMA connector or directly through the input slit. With an onboard 32-bit processor, color liquid crystal display, and graphical user interface for data display and touchscreen control, the OSM-400 can carry out local data analysis in real time. Data can be stored, archived, and transported on removable SmartMedia memory cards or downloaded through an RS-232 link or optional 10/100 Ethernet port. The new spectrometer provides resolution up to 0.5 nm and uses a 12-bit A/D converter with a high dynamic range for data acquisition. Newport Corp, 1791 Deere Avenue, Irvine, CA 92606, http://www.newport.com

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The CEDIP Infrared Systems Altair Li Workstation produces high-quality images of stress in materials and structures under dynamic loading conditions. Altair Li uses the company’s JADE IR focal plane array camera to provide thermal images of the scene at fast frame rate. When a structure undergoes cyclic loading, small temperature changes are produced at its surface. Under adiabatic conditions, a linear relationship exists between temperature variation and localized stress; the Altair Li makes use of this thermoelastic effect. The transformation of the thermal images into stress images is made by software, without any contact with the material surface. In its D-mode, the system can measure heat dissipation in a structure under dynamic loading. CEDIP Infrared Systems, 19 bd Bidault, F-77183, Croissy Beaubourg, France, http://www.cedip-infrared.com

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Ocean Optics has developed the Foxy-Lite handheld oxygen sensor, which uses time-resolved fluorometry and sol-gel based optical sensing technology to calculate oxygen concentration in a sample. The Foxy-Lite includes the company’s Foxy-R, a 1-mm stainless steel probe whose transducer material consists of a fluorescent ruthenium complex immobilized in a submicrometer-thin sol-gel matrix. The instrument’s onboard blue (470 nm), pulsed, LED light source excites an analyte, while its filtered single-element detector, determines oxygen levels by capturing the sample’s fluorescence decay at 600 nm; the response time is less than 1 s. Oxygen levels may be displayed in ppm or in percentage values. The sampling probe couples to the Foxy-Lite through a 600-µm bifurcated optical fiber. Ocean Optics Inc, 830 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL 34698, http://www.oceanoptics.com

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Axios from PANalytical (formerly Philips Analytical) is a new range of wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometers. The instruments feature a new x-ray tube, the SST-mAX, which offers stable tube output up to 160 mA and thus improves performance in the light element range. Axios also incorporates the latest innovations in multilayer technology for analyzing crystals; through these innovations, sensitivity can be doubled for elements such as boron. The new spectrometers can handle up to 168 samples at a time and measure and analyze samples including solid pieces, pressed and loose powders, fused beads, liquids, and thin films. All Axios systems run on a new version (4.0) of the company’s SuperQ software, a modular design with multiple program options for specific industries and analysis needs. PANalytical Inc, 125 West Gemini Drive, Suite E20, Tempe, AZ 85283, http://www.panalytical.com

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Jasco Inc has announced the NRS-3000 series of benchtop, singly dispersive, confocal, micro-Raman spectrometers, which feature a PC-controlled optical system. The new instruments include a color CCD sample-viewing system with image capture capability and optional binocular or trinocular viewing systems. Available in three models, the NRS-3000 spectrometers offer software-switched optics for up to six lasers, a low-wave number measurement capability, up to three automated holographic gratings, direct Raman imaging, a kinematic, eight-position Rayleigh rejection filter wheel, and other features and options. The instruments can provide a wavelength extension from the deep UV through the near IR. Additional options include heating and cooling of sample stages and a Raman polarization feature. Jasco Inc, 8649 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD 21601, http://www.jascoinc.com

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OPTRA, Inc has introduced the OP-FTIR open-path Fourier transform IR spectrometer for quantifying volatile organic compounds in industrial settings. The system includes an encoder-based reference system, operation in the “fingerprint” region of the IR spectrum (7–14 µm) at a spectral resolution of 8 cm⁻¹, an uncooled pyroelectric detector, and a plastic injection-molded retro-reflector array. The OP-FTIR operates over an extended path; the optical probe beam is double-passed through the defined path volume using a retro-reflector at the distal end to return the beam to the transceiver. The spectrometer uses automated software algorithms that incorporate artificial neural networks and partial least squares to discriminate and quantify a list of 105 organic compounds in the presence of varying humidity levels. OPTRA Inc, 461 Boston Street, Topsfield, MA 01983-1290, http://www.optra.com

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The McPherson FL-750 Fluorescence Detector with an included laptop computer delivers digital control of sensitivity, wavelength, and signal acquisition. It can be configured for dynamic flow and high-pressure liquid chromatography applications (FL-750B and BX versions) or used with cuvettes for static analysis (FL-750A). The much higher sensitivity of fluorescence detection usually determines when fluorescence is used in conjunction with or instead of absorbance. Application-optimized light sources guarantee enhanced excitation, so three different CW sources are available: deuterium, xenon, and xenon-mercury. The FL-750 fluorescence detector efficiently collects emission spectra. The user can choose between two detection modes: a monochromator for highest selectivity, or a filter for highest sensitivity. McPherson Inc, 7A Stuart Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824-4107, http://www.mcphersoninc.com

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The Orion upgrade from JEOL improves the performance of its analog- and DOS-based scanning electron microscopes. This is done with new computer hardware and software that allow rapid digital-image acquisition and control, frame averaging, and frame integration. The upgrade consists of a Microsoft Windows XP-equipped PC configured with software that acquires highspeed-averaged and slow-scan images for storage and recall. Orion allows the user to manage and create recipes, view live and stored images, and control specified functions. For later model SEMs, the addition of an electron optics control package permits access to most column control through the desktop or a knobset. A third version of Orion enables the driving of stage coordinates by joy-stick, numerical entry, incremental step, or location recall. JEOL USA Inc, 11 Dearborn Road, Peabody, MA 01960, http://www.jeol.com

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Glassman High Voltage has released the DC Sputtering option (SPUT) for use with the company’s 600W EK and 1200W EQ series power supplies. The new option, which meets the requirements of a wide range of DC magnetron sputtering sources, includes a 0–800 V DC output voltage at either 750 mA or 1.5 A, depending on the series, and an arc quench option for arc-management control. The SPUT option also incorporates a constant-power control loop so that the user may have the choice of programming and monitoring via output voltage, output current, or output power levels. These models may also be used for DC-biased RF sputtering and DC sputtering with RF-bias applications. The company can meet special customer requests, such as different output voltage levels up to 1.5 kV or arc-count TTL signals. Glassman High Voltage Inc, P.O. Box 317, 124 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ 08829-0317, http://www.glassmanhv.com

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The 428 EC Cell Blackbody Source from Isotech North America was developed by the National Physical Laboratory in the UK for the calibration of IR tympanic thermometers (ITTs). The cell creates a fixed temperature of 36.3°C (97.3°F) while its ethylene carbonate contents melt or freeze; the repeatability is better than ±0.02°C. The blackbody cavity consists of a cylindrical cone approximately 40 mm in diameter, suitable for the wide-angle field-of-view characteristics found in some ITTs. The new portable fixed-point cell was developed to provide clinicians with a means of validation for ITTs in the environments in which they are used, such as wards, clinics, and general practices. The company also offers the EC Cell Melter. Isotech North America, P.O. Box 636, 10 Leroy Road, Williston, VT 05495, http://www.isotechna.com

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Rad-icon Imaging Corp has announced the Shad-o-Box 4K, a radiation-sensitive camera for realtime, high-resolution digital radiography applications. The camera incorporates a 10 cm x 10 cm active area and a flat-panel CMOS detector that contains more than 4 million pixels. Analog video from the sensor is digitized to 12-bit resolution in eight parallel A/D channels and then interleaved for maximum transmission speed across a high-speed digital interface. The standard Shad-o-Box camera incorporates a direct-contact phosphor scintillator screen for converting 10- to 50-kV x-ray photons into visible light that is sensed by the CMOS imager. Optional scintillator and window materials are offered for extended energy range applications from 50 to 160 kV. Rad-icon Imaging Corp, 3193 Belick Street, Unit 1, Santa Clara, CA 95054-2404, http://www.rad-icon.com

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Novatech Instruments has introduced the 2965AR Rubidium Frequency Standard that contains an atomic time base with a stability of ± 5 × 10⁻¹¹ per month and combines a 50-MHz direct digital synthesizer along with 5- and 10-MHz outputs. The instrument uses an auto-adaptive algorithm, requiring no user intervention or tuning, to track a 1-pulse-per-second source from the company’s model GPS1 Smart Antenna (or other source) and disciplines the rubidium oscillator. The synthesized sine wave output is programmable from 100 Hz to 50 MHz in 1-µHz steps via an RS-232 interface using simple text commands. The Smart Antenna, available as an accessory, permits use of standard coaxial connecting cables. Novatech Instruments Inc, P.O. Box 55997, Seattle, WA 98155-0997, http://www.novatech-instr.com

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PI (Physik Instrumente) has developed the P-563.3CD PIMars, a longtravel piezo scanning and nanomanipulation system with a 66-mm x 66-mm clear aperture. The unit provides an xyz travel of 300 µm x 300 µm x 300 µm and a closed-loop resolution of 1 nm. PIMars stages incorporate high-force, solid-state, piezo-actuator drives, frictionless flexure guiding systems, and absolute measuring capacitive position sensors. The xyz system consists of only one moving part and uses a parallel-kinematics mechanical design complemented by a parallel-motion metrology feedback system. The P-563.3CD has a millisecond response time; it can be provided in an ultrahigh vacuum version (P-563.3UD). A variety of digital and analog controllers are available to drive the unit. PI (Physik Instrumente) LP, 16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501, http://www.pi-usa.us

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The Oxford Instruments Direct catalog is now available, with descriptions of cryogenics, magnetics, vacuum, and associated laboratory products. Also included are hard-to-find reference data for low-temperature physics, optics, thermometry, and laboratory safety practices. Oxford Instruments, Tubney Woods, Abington Oxon OX13 5QX, UK, http://www.oxinstdirect.com

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A new 2004 instrument and labware catalog has been published by BrandTech Scientific. New products include the Certified Ergonomic pipette, trace analysis labware, lab jacks and stainless steel supports, ultrahigh-throughput screening plates, and general plastic labware. BrandTech Scientific Inc, 11 Bokum Road, Essex, CT 06426-2562, http://www.brandtech.com

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The new spring 2004 Scientifics catalog from Edmund Scientific contains 100 pages of science, laboratory, and optical products. Many microscopes are described, from one of the newest cordless LED models to the sophisticated Motic digital/analog research microscopes. Scientifics, Department A041-C999, 60 Pearce Avenue, Tonawanda, NY 14150-6711, http://www.scientificsonline.com

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