spectrometer software
B&W Tek has improved the software for its NanoRam handheld Raman spectrometer. Updates to the NanoRam operating system (NOS) software and accompanying NanoRam identification (NID) data synchronization software allow the NanoRam to support the transfer of methods and libraries from one handheld unit to another, which facilitates the materials’ centralized development across an organization. Stricter limitations for regulatory compliance have been added; for example, methods and libraries cannot be deleted from the NOS software. Among the other improvements are more user requirements for deleting methods and libraries from the NID software and more stringent password controls. B&W Tek Inc, 19 Shea Way, Newark, DE 19713, http://www.bwtek.com
Membrane inlet dissolved gas monitor
The Hiden MIMS membrane inlet mass spectrometer series now features an extended range of submersible insertion probes and flow-through cuvette-style interfaces. Engineered to measure dissolved gases and vapors in aqueous solution, the spectrometers provide real-time analysis of biological and physical aquatic and marine systems. They have a semipermeable membrane interface that can operate in diverse environments with the optimal transition rate for the gaseous species of interest. The interface is refined for applications such as biofuel development and photo-responsive processes. Comprehensive control and data analysis programs permit both automated and manual operation. Multiple lines can be accommodated for automated sequential multimedia sampling. The compact mass spectrometer module can be mounted on a benchtop or a cart. Hiden Analytical Inc, 37699 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150, http://www.hidenanalytical.com
Nanoscale chemical mapping system
According to Bruker, its Inspire is the first integrated scanning probe microscopy IR system for 10-nm spatial resolution in chemical and materials property mapping. It incorporates the company’s proprietary PeakForce IR mode to enable nanoscale IR reflection and absorption mapping for a wide range of applications. They include the characterization of microphases and their interfaces in polymer blends, plasmons in the 2D electron gas of graphene, and chemical heterogeneity in complex materials and thin films. The Inspire system features sensitivity down to molecular monolayers, even on samples not amenable to standard atomic force microscopy techniques. It uses fully integrated IR scattering, scanning near-field optical microscope optics, point-and-click alignment, and the full suite of PeakForce tapping technologies found on Bruker’s atomic force microscopes. Bruker Corporation, 40 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821, http://www.bruker.com
Continuously tunable diode lasers
The continuously tunable laser (CTL) family from Toptica Photonics permits mode-hop-free tuning across the full gain spectrum of the integrated laser diode. The lasers feature high resolution, a narrow linewidth of less than 100 kHz, stability, and ease of use. The first two versions of the CTL are available at 950 nm and 1570 nm, with continuous tuning from 915 nm to 985 nm and 1530 nm to 1620 nm, respectively. The single-mode TEM00 lasers provide an absolute wavelength accuracy and repeatability of better than 100 pm and 10 pm, respectively. Output powers are up to 80 mW, claimed to be more than twice that of comparable lasers. They are operated with Toptica’s DLC pro control unit, which allows for wavelength selection and motor and piezo scanning. It can be used to stabilize the frequency of the lasers to external references with multiple proportional-integral-derivative controllers and lock-in regulation. Toptica Photonics Inc, 1286 Blossom Drive, Victor, NY 14564, http://www.toptica.com
High-throughput spectrometer
With its two modular spectroscopy technologies—a back-thinned CCD array detector and an f/3 low-stray-light optical design—the Maya LSL spectrometer from Ocean Optics offers high sensitivity and throughput for applications ranging from chemical catalysis to Raman analysis. Its rapid response and high accuracy make it suitable for applications in the life sciences and process monitoring industries. The optical design includes a toroidal grating that corrects optical aberrations, improves stray light performance, and extends the measurement range up to 3.0 absorption units. The CCD array detector increases the spectrometer’s sensitivity and allows for faster, full-spectrum measurements, which is a significant advantage for monitoring rapid chemical reactions such as catalysis, combustion, and protein folding. Ocean Optics Inc, 830 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL 34698, http://www.oceanoptics.com
Dual-view atomic spectrometer
According to Agilent Technologies, its 5100 inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) allows users to analyze specimens with speed, accuracy, ease, and lower gas use. It is suitable for food, environmental, and pharmaceuticals testing and for mining and industrial applications. While other dual-view systems require up to four sequential measurements per sample, the 5100 requires only one, thanks to its dichroic spectral combiner and synchronous vertical dual-view technologies. The system is available in three configurations: The synchronous vertical dual view delivers the fastest analyses and the lowest gas usage, the vertical dual view offers high throughput, and the radial view is fast and high performing. All the configurations have a vertical torch. Agilent Technologies Inc, 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95051, http://www.agilent.com
CCD camera for spectroscopy
Horiba Scientific has introduced Syncerity, a back-illuminated, deep-cooled CCD camera for visible and near-IR spectroscopy applications. With a near-IR-enhanced 2048 × 70 sensor, Syncerity is a research-grade spectroscopy camera that combines performance, versatility, and economy for OEM and research applications. Its high-resolution, 14-µm pixel array and compact size make it suitable for Raman instrumentation. Syncerity offers ultralow etaloning and more than 40% quantum efficiency at 1000 nm. Peak QE is 84% at 700 nm and 20% at 1050 nm. Syncerity is also available in a back-illuminated UV-visible-optimized configuration. A flexible design allows Horiba to quickly adapt the camera for industrial applications. Horiba Scientific, 3880 Park Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820-3097, http://www.horiba.com/scientific
Off-plane x-ray spectrometer
McPherson has introduced a conical-diffraction, off-plane x-ray Czerny–Turner (OP-XCT) spectrometer for sorting laser harmonics and other applications. Available in ultrahigh- or high-vacuum versions, the OP-XCT is suitable for laser-generated, high-harmonic experiments such as photoemission spectroscopy and pump–probe angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. It is designed for operation from 8 nm to 125 nm (10 eV to 150 eV) and operates as a monochromator or imaging spectrograph. With a coarse diffraction grating and CCD detector, it can survey a very broad extreme-UV wavelength swath and disperse from 10 nm to 140 nm on a 12-mm-wide detector. The OP-XCT offers high light throughput and minimum stretching in fast pulse laser applications. Spectral resolution is controllable via selected gratings, entrance slit, and source size. With a 50-µm source and the CCD detector, the 800-mm focal length OP-XCT’s resolving power (λ/Δλ) is better than 300 at 25.6 nm (48 eV). McPherson Inc, 7A Stuart Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824, http://www.mcphersoninc.com