Characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures
A collaboration between Bruker and the Technical University of Denmark Nanolab has produced the new Optimus 2 detector head. As part of Bruker’s new augmented on-axis transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) solution in electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), the detector head enhances the company’s eFlash EBSD detectors for crystal-orientation mapping on electron-transparent samples. Bruker says that the augmented on-axis TKD solution and new hardware and software expand the EBSD applications range and accelerate and improve the characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures in a scanning electron microscope. Among other advancements, Optimus 2 improves spatial resolution to 1.5 nm and lower by optimizing beam focus and astigmatism settings before the TKD map acquisition. Bruker Nano GmbH, Am Studio 2D, 12489 Berlin, Germany, www.bruker.com
Multiple laser combiner
Hübner Photonics has expanded its C-FLEX laser combiner family by introducing the compact C8. The platform is available in three sizes that can be equipped with four, six, or eight high-performance Cobolt lasers. The flexible laser combiners are available in a range of standard application-specific configurations or can be customized to user needs. They are easy to install and field-upgradeable. A very broad range of wavelengths can be integrated: 375 nm to 1064 nm, with an output power of up to 1000 mW. The C-FLEX series includes both diode lasers with high-speed modulation capability and diode-pumped lasers with single-frequency operation. Multiple fiber outputs and the option to integrate high-power lasers from the Cobolt 05-iE series make the C-FLEX C8 suitable for applications in bioimaging, Raman spectroscopy, and holography. Hübner Photonics Inc, 2635 N 1st St, Ste 202, San Jose, CA 95134, https://hubner-photonics.com
Laser wavelength meter for IR applications
To facilitate the characterization of IR lasers, Bristol Instruments has added the NIR2 system to its 671 laser wavelength meter series. The 671 NIR2 is suitable for use by scientists and engineers who need to know the exact wavelength of CW lasers that operate from 1.0 µm to 2.6 µm. It uses a Michelson interferometer–based design to measure laser wavelength to an accuracy of ±0.0002 nm. A convenient prealigned fiber-optic input ensures optimum alignment of the laser under test and allows the system to be placed in an out-of-the-way location, which saves optical bench space. Bristol Instruments Inc, 770 Canning Pkwy, Victor, NY 14564, www.bristol-inst.com
Fast electron-multiplying CCD camera
According to Raptor Photonics, its digital monochrome Kestrel 1000 is one of the fastest and most sensitive scientific frame-transfer electron-multiplying (EM) CCD cameras available. The Kestrel 1000 features ultralow readout noise while running at 1000 fps in full frame and up to 1800 fps when focusing on a region of interest. With EM gain on, it offers less than 1 e− read noise. Its 128 pixel × 128 pixel back-thinned sensor with 24 µm × 24 µm pixel size provides high image resolution in low-light applications. The camera delivers up to 95% quantum efficiency for optimum photon collection, strong response from the UV to the near-IR, and ultrawide bandwidth from 350 nm to 1100 nm. The Kestrel 1000 uses a 16-bit A/D converter and a standard CameraLink output and is cooled to −20 °C. Applications include high-resolution fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging, particle image velocimetry, and adaptive optics and astronomy. Raptor Photonics Ltd, Willowbank Business Park, Larne, Co Antrim BT40 2SF, Northern Ireland, UK, www.raptorphotonics.com
Automated scanning SQUID microscope
High Precision Devices, a FormFactor company, has introduced its IQ1000 scanning SQUID microscope. It is used to study the dynamics of trapped magnetic flux, or magnetic vortices, that can negatively impact superconducting circuit operation. IQ1000 users can image magnetic vortices in devices cooled through the superconducting transition temperature in controlled magnetic fields. It also enables studies of vortex dynamics in the circuit using XYZ-vectored magnetic fields, direct manipulation of vortices using the sensor field coils, and precise control of sample temperature. With rapid scan speed and process automation, the IQ1000 is the first commercial product of its kind to enable unattended and high-throughput characterization, according to the company. Those characterization techniques and capabilities may advance the development of operationally robust superconducting circuits. High Precision Devices Inc, 4601 Nautilus Ct S, Ste 100, Boulder, CO 80301, https://hpd-online.com
Video-rate atomic force microscope
The Cypher VRS1250 video-rate atomic force microscope (AFM) from Oxford Instruments Asylum Research enables scan rates up to 1250 lines/s and frame rates up to 45 fps. According to the company, the high speed will enable researchers to capture nanoscale details of dynamic events that were previously inaccessible. Those include biochemical reactions, 2D molecular self-assembly, etch and dissolution processes, and more. According to the company, the Cypher VRS1250—alone among high-speed AFMs—can also support a full range of modes and accessories, which makes it suitable for large interdisciplinary research groups and shared imaging facilities with multiple projects. To generate fast, high-resolution imaging, the microscope’s small-spot cantilever detection maintains a very low signal-to-noise ratio even on the extremely small cantilevers required for video-rate AFM. Oxford Instruments America Inc, 300 Baker Ave, Ste 150, Concord, MA 01742, www.oxinst.com
Scientific CMOS camera for microscopy
Teledyne Photometrics has launched its Kinetix22 scientific CMOS camera for demanding applications such as spinning-disk confocal imaging and light-sheet microscopy. The Kinetix22 delivers a unique combination of speed, sensitivity, low noise, high resolution, and versatility, according to the company. It features a 22 mm field of view and a 2400 pixel × 2400 pixel sensor with 6.5 µm × 6.5 µm pixel size. Back illumination allows weak signals to be displayed as high-quality images; the camera achieves 95% quantum efficiency. Four modes let users prioritize different camera specs and optimize imaging: The 8-bit speed mode offers 498 fps across the full frame, the 12-bit sensitivity mode offers low 1.2 e− read noise at approximately 90 fps, the 16-bit dynamic-range mode has large full-well capacity for varied signal levels in the sample, and the 16-bit subelectron mode offers electron-multiplying CCD-like sensitivity with 0.7 e− read noise. Teledyne Photometrics, 3440 E Britannia Dr, Ste 100, Tucson, AZ 85706, www.photometrics.com
Improvements to multichannel event timers
PicoQuant has announced a free firmware update for its MultiHarp 150 4P, 8P, and 16P high-throughput multichannel event timers. One major improvement is the change in temporal resolution from 10 ps to 5 ps, which does not affect other parameters, such as the excellent data throughput or ultrashort dead time. The update also provides a programmable input hysteresis for noise suppression in difficult environments. According to the company, those MultiHarp 150 models provide the best temporal resolution on the market for event timers that have subnanosecond dead time. Comprising electronics for time-correlated single-photon counting, they are suitable for fast, precise fluorescence-lifetime imaging using PicoQuant’s rapidFLIM and high-throughput multichannel photon correlation. PicoQuant, Rudower Chaussee 29, 12489 Berlin, Germany, www.picoquant.com
