Application Notes: General

Nanoscale structures (quantum dots and quantum wires) are being studied extensively with a view to building ever more exotic devices, such as more efficient lasers and LEDs, or quantum information processing components. One type of material under investigation consists of semiconductor quantum wires based on InAs.

Low concentration natural methanol exists in most alcoholic beverages and usually causes no immediate health threat. Nevertheless, it is possible to have natural occurring methanol in beverages with concentration as high as 18 grams per liter of ethanol; or equivalent to 0.72% methanol in 40% ethanol, in alcohol (1). Current EU regulation limits naturally occurring methanol to below 10 grams per liter of ethanol; or equivalent to 0.4% methanol in 40% ethanol.

Increasing temperature can cause chemical changes, alter reaction rates, concentrate an aqueous sample, or evaporate a solvent. These transformations can be readily monitored by diamond ATR spectroscopy. This note explores the use of a diamond ATR to examine heat-induced changes in the clay.

True surface microscopy for topographic confocal Raman imaging adds optical profilometer functionality to a highly sensitive confocal Raman microscope. Using this profilometer function, topographic scans of several square millimeters can be acquired, similar to a very large AFM topography image. This acquired large-area topography image can be used to trace the surface contours while acquiring a confocal Raman image.

Overcoming fluorescence interference in a variety of samples is achieved by using dispersive 1064 nm Raman excitation instruments.

Building on more than 10 years of Micro-XRF experience, the Orbis spectrometer yields a system with excellent Micro-XRF capability while setting a new standard in analytical flexibility. The Orbis incorporates a unique motorized turret integrating video and X-ray optics allowing coaxial sample view and X-ray analysis. The turret can accommodate two additional collimators along with the X-ray optic for a total of three X-ray beam sizes to expand the Orbis analytical capabilities beyond traditional Micro-XRF analysis. Primary beam filters can be used with all spot sizes available on the turret to allow true XRF analytical capabilities in a micro-spot analysis. The working distance is increased to allow analysis over rougher sample topography without sacrificing signal intensity.

Traditionally the analysis of volatile liquids by FTIR spectroscopy has always entailed a sealed fixed pathlength cell.

Overcoming fluorescence background noise in cancerous biological tissue samples achieved by using Dispersive 1064nm Raman excitation instruments.

Low concentration natural methanol exists in most alcoholic beverages and usually causes no immediate health threat.

New detector and optical bench options make it possible to configure near-infrared spectrometer setups for high-resolution applications such as laser and optical fiber characterization.

The formal European Union analytical method to measure and regulate the concentration of selenium disulphide is by the determination of selenium via flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Diamond is generally not used as a multiple reflection ATR element due to its strong lattice bands around 2200 cm-1M.

This study describes a new automated technique for measuring protein conformation by CD spectroscopy and how changes can be followed in different pH environments.

Kidney stones are complex, biological matrices often composed of mixtures of minerals and organic matter.

Building on more than 10 years of Micro-XRF experience, the Orbis spectrometer yields a system with excellent Micro-XRF capability while setting a new standard in analytical flexibility.

Members of Spectroscopy's readership have always been attuned to the science behind the headlines.

The measurement of the elemental composition of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in air is a key factor in understanding the health effects of pollution.

FT-NIR analyzer to perform in-line determination of tablet coating thickness during spray coating.

For the optimization of photodynamic therapy the spectroscopic detection of photosensitizer molecules, which are selectively enriched in tumour cells, can be useful.

For the characterization of the properties of a sample with Raman spectroscopy, an ultrasensitive confocal Raman microscope allows the acquisition of a Raman image stack revealing 3-D information on the distribution of the chemical compounds.

Low concentration natural methanol exists in most alcoholic beverages and usually causes no immediate health threat.

A2 Technologies' Exoscan hand-held FTIR (Figure 1) is increasingly being used by researchers involved in the geosciences for analysis of rocks, minerals, and soil for a broad variety of applications.

The amaZon series is the next step in Bruker Daltonics' family of ion trap mass spectrometers.

Photon etc. has designed two narrowband tunable filters for resonance Raman spectroscopy.

According to the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG), techniques with the highest discriminating power should preferentially be used for forensic identification of seized drugs.

In the life sciences and bio-medical research, in the food as well pharmaceutical industry, the development of characteristic emulsions and suspensions with distinctive features play an important role.

Grazing angle Ge ATR spectroscopy is extremely sensitive to monolayers and thin films on high refractive index substrates such as Si.

One of the most common product safety-related analytical tests in the pharmaceutical industry (often referred to as a Limit Test) is the quantification of heavy metals or inorganics in all materials within a pharmaceutical product.

A "Smart" Oxygen Cuvette has been developed by coating the inner surface of a plastic (PMMA) cuvette with sol-gel based oxygen-sensitive indicator material.

BaySpec, Inc. has developed a complete line of 1064 nm excitation, dispersive Raman systems that offer maximum reduction in fluorescence interference from biological samples and thus making them very useful tools for biofuel research.