Focus on spectroscopy

The 6550 iFunnel quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LC/MS) system from Agilent Technologies increases TOF sensitivity to low femtogram levels. It delivers fast acquisition to 50 spectra/s, up to five orders of intra-scan dynamic range, and robust operation. High-resolution TOF and Q-TOF are the systems of choice for screening unknown or unexpected chemicals. According to Agilent, the 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF’s sensitivity and speed make it suitable for challenging qualitative and quantitative analyses in applications such as metabolomics, pharmacokinetics, and protein identification. The system is supported by new MassHunter software to facilitate qualitative and quantitative analyses and new qual-quan workflows that generate significantly more data than many conventional MS assays. Agilent Technologies Inc, 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95051, http://www.agilent.com

The Glacier T from B&W Tek is a high-resolution thermoelectrically (TE) cooled CCD array spectrometer for Raman spectroscopy applications. It has a compact form factor that measures less than 8 × 4 × 4 inches. B&W Tek’s proprietary TE cooling technology allows the signal to be integrated for sufficient time to accumulate measurable signals for detection without being saturated with dark noise. That technology, combined with the Glacier T’s fast F/2 spectrograph, makes the instrument suitable for modular Raman spectroscopy and for OEM integration into larger Raman systems. The Glacier T comes preconfigured with a resolution as fine as 3 cm⁻¹, a range up to 4000 cm⁻¹, and either a 532- or 785-nm excitation. The spectrometer is equipped with 2048 elements, a built-in 16-bit digitizer, and a high-speed USB 2.0 interface to optimize high-throughput results. B&W Tek Inc, 19 Shea Way, Newark, DE 19713, http://www.bwtek.com

Bruker has introduced the CaptiveSpray electrospray ion source for nano-high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) applications in proteomics. According to the company, using CaptiveSpray can significantly increase bottom-up protein identifications. Unlike a traditional pulled nanospray tip, the Etch Taper technology employed by CaptiveSpray ensures that the internal diameter of the spray tip remains constant. That reduces tip clogging and provides spray stability over the entire LC gradient and robust operation for long periods of time, even with heavy proteomics sample loads. The CaptiveSpray source is designed to operate with LC flow rates from 50 nL/min to 5 µL/min and higher. The ability to run at higher LC flow rates without compromising sensitivity also increases sample loading capacity and expands the dynamic range of analysis. That combination of attributes enhances the ability of the mass spectrometry system to identify and quantify low-level peptides. Bruker Daltonics Inc, 40 Manning Road, Manning Park, Billerica, MA 01821, http://www.bdal.com

The new EDX-LE from Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is an energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) fluorescence spectrometer equipped with a detector that does not require liquid nitrogen. It is suitable for screening a limited range of samples for fixed control criteria in times as short as 1 min, so it is helpful in screening inspections for the five elements—bromine, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead—regulated by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. The EDX-LE offers various features that promote simple screening. Threshold values can be set for each material or element, and the screening judgment can be changed according to the input method used for those values. Improved security is provided for software operations. The spectrometer also features an automatic x-ray-tube-aging function to prevent malfunction in systems that have not been used for long periods of time. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, http://www.ssi.shimadzu.com

Spectro Analytical Instruments, a member of the Ametek Materials Analysis Division, has updated its Spectrolab metal analyzer and made numerous improvements. Compared with its predecessor, the new version achieves better detection limits in some instances, for example, in trace analysis of pure copper and aluminum. The latest version offers the advantage of photomultiplier detectors, as compared with single-spark evaluation and time-resolved spectroscopy; it also has a flexible line selection. It can combine analytical and reference lines from CCD detectors. By combining those features, Spectrolab delivers very low detection limits. With optimized resolution and a focal width of 750 nm in both optical segments, the device achieves sensitive analytical results for trace analysis of pure metals and the examination of material combinations and alloys. Spectro Analytical Instruments Inc, Ametek Materials Analysis Division, 91 McKee Drive, Mahwah, NJ 07430, http://www.spectro.com

Hiden has released the CATLAB thermal microreactor system with the new CATsoft LabVIEW-based operating program to optimize and simplify operation in quality control and R&D applications. Designed for precise characterization of catalytic and general thermal reaction studies, the system features a 1000 °C fast response furnace with an integrated mass spectrometer. It is fully programmable for both automated and manual operation. The CATsoft program controls furnace temperature and ramp rate, gas stream selection, flow rates from up to eight gas streams, a mass spectrometer function, and data processing. The CATLAB consists of two modules: the microreactor, including temperature and flow control, and the quadrupole mass spectrometer system, which can also be used as a standalone instrument. Hiden Analytical Inc, 37699 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150, http://www.hideninc.com

Newport has introduced the WEU-02, a wavelength extension unit designed to expand the capability of femtosecond lasers. Through a series of user controls, the WEU-02 can be configured for use in various spectroscopy, imaging, and pump-probe applications. It can also be integrated into two-photon microscope setups to add modalities for enhanced imaging capabilities. The unit’s design allows the fundamental beam to pass through, preserving the beam path and tuning range of the pump source. A portion of the fundamental beam can be sent to a photonic crystal fiber to be converted to a broadband supercontinuum. That light can then be recombined with the remaining fundamental beam for use in pump-probe and multimodal spectroscopy and microscopy experiments. The supercontinuum can be used as a Stokes beam to add broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy and microscopy capabilities around 3000 cm⁻¹ in existing setups that use two-photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation. Newport Corporation, 1791 Deere Avenue, Irvine, CA 92606, http://www.newport.com

A new energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) for ultrafast, ultrasensitive x-ray collection through analysis with its scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEMs) is available from JEOL. Centurio is a novel silicon drift detector EDS that collects x rays from samples at a large solid angle of up to 0.98 steradians from a detection area of 100 mm². With the ability to collect x rays at very high count rates, Centurio speeds elemental mapping and improves element detection sensitivity without loss of energy resolution. Maps with high signal-to-noise ratios and large pixel numbers can be made at rates 10 times faster than with previous EDS designs. Fast atomic resolution EDS analysis can be attained by channeling large probe currents through small probe sizes combined with aberration-corrected STEMs. The automatically retractable side-entry design allows fast repositioning to avoid irradiation from backscattered electrons. JEOL USA Inc, 11 Dearborn Road, Peabody, MA 01960, http://www.jeolusa.com

The Synapt G2-S high-definition mass spectrometer from Waters incorporates high-sensitivity Waters StepWave ion-transfer optics and Triwave ion-mobility technologies. It features a suite of new informatics tools to improve qualitative and quantitative performance. The increase in sensitivity over previous-generation mass spectrometers and the selectivity and analytical peak capacity made possible by ion-mobility separations allow the Synapt G2-S to identify and quantify sample analytes at lower concentrations than other high-resolution mass spectrometers. According to the company, the spectrometer easily and routinely reveals details about complex samples that were previously difficult or impossible to obtain. It catalogs complex samples in a single analysis by separating components by ion mobility and then capturing the molecular and fragment ion data from all detectable peaks across the entire chromatographic separation. Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757, http://www.waters.com

Andor Technology has added a fast spectroscopy-dedicated intensified CCD platform to its iStar range of scientific-grade ICCDs. The iStar DH320T features high sensitivity with −40 °C thermo-electric cooling, low-noise electronics, high quantum efficiency photocathodes, and spectral acquisition rates up to 38 000 Hz. Low-jitter electronics deliver precise timing control. A comprehensive software control interface and ultrafast—< 2 ns—gating are also offered. The iStar’s fully integrated digital delay generator has ultralow insertion delay and timing accuracy down to a few tens of picoseconds, allowing for ultraprecise synchronization of complex experiments through a comprehensive range of input/output triggering options. Solis software provides an intuitive interface to set all delays, gating, and CCD parameters. Andor Technology plc, 425 Sullivan Avenue, Suite 3, South Windsor, CT 06074, http://www.andor.com

Craic Technologies has developed the 20/20 XL film-thickness measurement tool for the semiconductor industry. Designed to nondestructively analyze microscopic areas of very large samples, the microspectrophotometer offers the ability to measure the thickness of thin films in both transmission and reflectance. Users can also measure the Raman spectra of microscopic samples and perform UV and near-IR microscopy of semiconductors and other types of samples. Data can be acquired from microscopic features of very large samples by absorbance, reflectance, or luminescence spectroscopy. A flexible design allows the 20/20 XL to attach to large frames to analyze the largest samples. The instrument includes Craic FilmPro thin-film software; it can be operated manually or be fully automated. Numerous applications include mapping thin-film thickness of large devices, locating and identifying contaminants, and measuring strain in silicon. Craic Technologies Inc, 948 North Amelia Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773, http://www.microspectra.com

Digital Light Lab’s new, portable CompactCure UV LED illumination system is intended for spectroscopy, general fiber-illumination applications, and low-cost UV curing. The design contains internal optics, a driver, a dimming controller, active cooling, and a multiwatt, high-powered UV LED—all packaged in a compact enclosure suitable for installation in confined areas. The CompactCure can be configured in several UV wavelengths, including 365, 385, 400, and 420 nm. Various built-in optics are offered for different UV patterns, as are optional adaptors for fiber optics and liquid light guides. Other deep UV (254, 280, 320, and 350 nm), visible, and near-IR wavelengths can be custom ordered for OEM applications. Each unit operates on 24 V_dc, and users can easily adjust the output flux. Digital Light Lab, 9041 Executive Park Drive, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37923-4603, http://www.digitallightlab.com

Headwall Photonics has introduced the Hyperspec UV for hyperspectral imaging in the 250- to 550-nm region. The Hyperspec sensor identifies objects based on the unique spectral signature and chemical composition of the viewed sample region. It is based on Headwall’s aberration-corrected concentric design with a tall image slit that allows for a very wide field of view. Headwall’s sensor systems feature high signal-to-noise ratio and very low stray light; they do not use transmissive optics such as prisms that degrade performance and contribute to thermal instability. According to the company, the fully integrated instrument achieves high-performance imaging in the UV region and provides the highest spectral and spatial resolution commercially available. The Hyperspec UV sensor may be used for a wide range of applications, even in harsh environments. They include military and defense deployment, remote sensing, and medical applications involving fluorescence and bio-imaging. Headwall Photonics Inc, 601 River Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, http://www.headwallphotonics.com

Building on its FP-6000 series, the FP-8000 series spectrofluorometers from Jasco incorporate technological innovations for enhanced performance. According to the company, the new series provides very high sensitivity, fast spectral scanning capability, and analysis‐oriented functionality for advanced materials research and biochemical analysis. Various accessories that are available for integration offer a range of control and analysis through Spectra Manager II software and provide a flexible platform for luminescence applications. The spectrofluorometers feature sensitivity greater than 5000 RMS, a 60 000-nm/min scan speed, and a wide dynamic range of greater than 6.5 orders of magnitude. They also incorporate autogain and an autosensitivity control system, an automatic higher‐order diffraction cut filter, and rapid 3D spectral and long-lifetime—greater than 1-ms—phosphorescence measurements. Jasco Inc, 28600 Mary’s Court, Easton, MD 21601, http://www.jascoinc.com

The Pico200 from Micronic is a spectrophotometer that allows UV and visible measurements to be taken directly through a specialized pipette tip, the UVpette. There is no risk of cross-contamination or sample evaporation, no dilution or cleaning is needed, and there is 100% sample recovery. The simplified operation of the Pico200 involves aspirating 2 μl of a sample into the UVpette tip and placing the entire pipette into the holder for analysis. Pico200’s milliliter UV and visible spectrophotometry is suitable for measurements of DNA, RNA, and other nucleic acid concentrations; of kinetics concentrations—set time delay and duration; of protein concentrations that include Bradford, Lowry, lysozyme, and immunoglobulin G; and of dye concentrations for microarray work. Results are displayed numerically and in a graphical representation that allows users to view the spectral curve across the entire spectrum. Micronic North America LLC, 3901 Washington Road, Suite 302, McMurray, PA 15317, http://www.micronicna.com