Pittcon 2009 New Product Review
Spectroscopy columnist Howard Mark takes a comprehensive look at the products that were introduced at Pittcon 2009 in Chicago.
Spectroscopy columnist Howard Mark presents a comprehensive review of the products and accessories introduced at Pittcon this year.
To paraphrase Mark Twain, "Fears of Pittcon's demise are greatly exaggerated." Before the conference, there was much discussion about whether the show would attract as many people as in years past. However, the attendance as of Thursday morning was
Conferees: 9878
Media: 225
Undergraduates: 328
Exhibitors: 7624
Total: 18,055
The total attendance, obtained post-conference, was 19,018, comparable to the 2008 attendance (see www.pittcon.org). We therefore conclude that concerns about a severe attendance drop-off expressed a few months ago seem to have been overwrought.
In addition, several exhibitors commented that conferees stopping in their booth were of "high quality," meaning that the conferees entering their booth were more focused and more seriously interested in purchasing necessary equipment, rather than simply "cruising" to see what new "toys" had become available during the previous year. It would seem that mainly the "tire kickers" stayed away.
As John Coates prophesied in last year's review (Spectroscopy 23[5], 24 [2008]), ". . . a meaningful and welcome trend is in portable and handheld instrumentation." This trend seems to be continuing. Anyone who remembers the early days of portable computers, when a "portable" computer meant any computer that had a handle that allowed the user to pick it up (even if it took both hands) might have some concern that portable instruments might follow the same trend. Manufacturers, however, are making a useful and welcome distinction between those that are truly portable and handheld, and those that are "field deployable"; that is, those intended to be carried in a vehicle to the operating site.
We indicate in our listings whether a given instrument is for the laboratory (that is, fixed location) or is portable or field deployable; we also include, for those instruments that are listed as being movable, their size and weight. This provides readers with a more precise idea of just how portable a given unit is.
In a review like this, the organization is important. I organized this review according to the wavelength region and type of spectroscopy involved (for example, mid-IR, X-ray, UV–vis, atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and so forth). This allows readers to more easily compare instruments from different manufacturers, even though it may sometimes lump together instruments of the "good enough is OK" type with ultraprecise laboratory designs.
The categories used to classify the instruments are (in order):
Accessories
Atomic spectroscopy
Components
First responders
Fluorescence
Imaging
Mass spectrometry
Mid-IR
Near-IR
NMR
Raman
Software
UV–vis
X-ray
Some categories may include products from companies that might otherwise be classified under any of the other categories. These categories are Accessories, Components, First Responders, Imaging, and Software. Thus, if a product is not found in an expected category, these others should be checked, as it may be listed there.
Where a company has more than one product of a similar type listed, the products are separated by a boldface "Product name " entry. Otherwise, companies in each category are listed alphabetically, as are the categories themselves.
We also endeavored to give a synopsis of salient features for each product, or at least as much as could be included in limited space. We tried to follow a "features–benefit" format, so that not only are the key features of a given instrument described, but also the meaningfulness of those features to the user.
One aspect of Pittcon that most attendees are aware of is the conferring of awards to scientists making outstanding advances in the analytical sciences. A small, somewhat less well-known subset of those awards are the awards, known as the Editors' Choice Awards (see http://www.pittcon.org/highlights/thursday.html) and chosen by vote of the media representatives attending the conference, that are given to companies demonstrating instruments that represent outstanding advances in the instrumentation used in the analytical process. We are pleased to note that the top two of the awards given this year were presented to manufacturers of spectroscopic instruments. The winners of these awards are:
First place: Innov-X Systems, in collaboration with inXitu, Inc., for a field-portable combined X-ray diffraction–fluorescence instrument.
Second place: another collaboration: OI Analytical, Inc., and Picarro, Inc., for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer that can measure TOC (total organic carbon) and carbon isotope ratios simultaneously.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories in the context of this review include those products that are self-contained but are generally used in conjunction with one sort of spectroscopic instrument or another. Despite some gray area, this distinguishes them from "components," which are products that are not generally used by themselves, but form an integral part of an instrument. Examples of accessories would include standards, sample cells, and sample preparation devices.
Avian Technologies LLC
Manufactures spectroscopic standards
Product name: WCT-2065/WCT-2066
- Wavelength calibration standards.
- Used for laboratory and process.
- Infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), atomic, UV–vis, Raman.
Specialty accessory description: Equivalent to NIST SRMs 2035 and 2036. Useful for calibration of vis–NIR spectrophotometers for wavelength accuracy, follows USP-1119.
Primary benefit(s): Improves wavelength calibration accuracy for vis–NIR spectrometers in both transmittance (WCT-2065) and reflectance (WCT-2066).
Unique feature(s): can be fabricated to meet customer size requirements.
Axiom Analytical, Inc.
Optical accessories, and software (see that heading)
Product name: FDR-803 Fiber-optic coupled probe diffuse reflectance probe
- Handheld laboratory and process reflectance probe
- Infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), UV–vis
Other description: Sealed stainless steel construction, provides noncontact analysis of powders and slurries at sample offsets up to 120 mm.
Suggested applications: Diffuse reflectance analysis during pharmaceutical development and scale-up.
Primary benefits: High sensitivity combined with large sample offset and low stray light.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product name: Jumpers
- Commonly called jumpers or patchcords, these basic fiber assemblies range from more generic datacom jumpers to the single fiber, large core cable designs utilizing more robust and customized components.
- Optical coatings to lower the reflection (AR coating) or to create a cutoff wavelength can be added to the fiber, as well as any multifiber assembly. High power SMAs using SS or copper ferrules that have an air pocket surrounding the front of the SMA ferrule are also available, as well as an aluminum or copper heatsink to pull the thermal energy away from the fiber.
Buchi Corporation
Manufactures FT-NIR spectrometers and accessories
Product name : Accessories for NIRFlex N-500 (FT-NIR)
- Used for laboratory and process analysis.
New sampling modules for NIRFlex N-500 to be introduced are:
- The Solids Transmittance module, which enables users to measure the NIR spectra of tablets and other solid dosage forms in transmittance mode, thereby measuring more of the tablet than was previously possible by standard reflectance measurements. The module features autogain detector settings as well as specially coated sample plates to minimize light leakage around the tablets. The measurement software also features automatic calculation of content uniformity by USP and EU, as well as by Japanese Pharmacopeia methods.
- Measurement cell featuring both fiber-optic probe for solid samples and transmission capability for liquids in cuvettes. This allows users to measure solids–powder samples with a fiber-optic probe, typical solvents to be measured with a transflectance accessory attached to the fiber-optic probe, and aggressive acids or bases to be measured in cuvettes, all with the same measurement cell.
- Measurement cell featuring SMA connectors. This measurement cell allows the flexibility of attaching the optimal fiber optics and probe for the NIR application.
Special features: Capable of transferring calibrations from other NIR vendor platforms by spectral transformation software.
Eclipse Technologies, Inc.
www.eclipsetechnologiesinc.com
Product name: X-Purge hazardous area purge systems
Design features: The new version of Eclipse's X-Purge is designed to achieve hazardous area requirements for general-purpose enclosures and their internal electronics. The unit does so by continuously purging the enclosure with compressed air or nitrogen. The positive pressure in the enclosure ensures gas flow from inside to outside and eliminates the possibility of flammable gases re-entering the enclosure. The user is able to easily view and adjust the gas flow on the front of the unit with the built-in flow meter and valve. If the positive pressure in the enclosure is compromised, the X-Purge will shut off the power to the unit. However, a manual override switch is available for convenience. The unit is constructed out of stainless steel, which offers the benefit of strength and corrosion resistance. The X-Purge is certified under NFPA Class 1, Division 1. Highest quality construction, streamline and innovative series of purge systems available — each unit is packaged in a stainless steel enclosure and includes a display and easily accessible controls for flow measurement at very competitive pricing.
Glass Expansion
Manufactures accessories for atomic spectroscopy: ICP-OES and ICP-MS
Product name: TruFlo sample monitor (ICP accessory)
- The TruFlo device from Glass Expansion measures and digitally displays the sample flow rate to an ICP-OES or ICP-MS nebulizer. According to the company, it can be programmed to sound an alarm when deviation from specified flow rates occur. It can also provide an electronic record of sample flow rate for regulatory compliance. The TruFlo alerts the operator to problems such as worn pump tubing, clogged nebulizer, or improperly adjusted peristaltic pump.
Portable: 20 in. L x 8 in. W x 15 in. H
Used for laboratory analysis. Compatible with all brands of ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
Suggested applications: measuring sample uptake and internal standard flow to ascertain reliable and consistent delivery. Measures the actual rate of sample uptake to the nebulizer.
Primary benefits: Enhances the day-to-day reproducibility of the results and reduces the need to repeat measurements due to a blocked nebulizer, worn pump tubing, or incorrect clamping of the pump tube. Takes the analyst out of the dark with respect to sample delivery; no other monitor is currently commercially available.
Unique features: Sounds an alarm if the sample uptake is outside specified limits. Variable damping and graphic record available.
Harrick Scientific Products, Inc.
MID-IR optical accessories
Product name : Raman Flat-Top
- For laboratory use with Raman microscopes. Requires Harrick Automatic Temperature Controller.
Specialty accessory: Environmental chamber designed for use with Raman microscopes. Allows viewing and analysis of the sample under controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions.
Suggested applications: Studies of catalytic reactions, fuel cell materials, and biological samples.
Primary benefits: Operation over a wide temperature range (up to 910 °C)and a wide pressure range (10-6 to 2200 torr).
Katanax, Inc.
Product name: K1 fluxer
- Used for atomic, UV–vis, Raman, laboratory analysis.
Design features: One sample at a time, 5–7 samples/h, 1200 W.
Special features: Katanax automated fusion machines are designed around simple, yet high performance. All electric, fully automatic, easy to install, low energy consumption.
Suggested applications: Inorganic sample preparation for XRF, AA, and ICP.
Primary benefits to the spectroscopist : The K1 is a small, one-position unit, strictly electricity-powered that brings affordable automated sample preparation to research labs, or where sample preparation needs are small to moderate.
Unique features : One sample at a time, 5–7 samples/h, 1200 W.
Middleton Research
Product name: Near-Infrared Transflectance Paste Cell
- Used for NIR (970–2500 nm) laboratory analysis.
Design features: Diffuse gold reflector. Cell allows the reproducible high-quality near-infrared measurement of hitherto difficult samples with the consistency of cookie-dough, hard caramel, cheese.
Portable: 2.25 in. diameter.
Measurement mode: Transflectance with diffuse gold reflector.
Special features: Sapphire window to withstand high pressure when pressing tough samples. Can be used with most manufacturers' near-infrared reflectance analyzers. Available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Applications include viscous, pasty industrial, agricultural, and food products.
Primary benefits : Unique mechanical design allows the transflectance sampling of difficult samples with reproducible pathlength. Sampling cell can be taken apart easily and cleaned.
Unique features: Unique design creates pressure to transform samples into a reproducible 200 µm film.
Milestone, Inc.
Product name: MultiFast 4 Microwave Fusion Rotor
- Microwave rotor.
Suggested applications: Sample preparation for trace metals analysis of platinum group metals, ceramics, carbides, geological samples, and other refractory materials.
Primary benefits: Increases flexibility of microwave system for preparing very difficult samples for metals analysis.
Unique features: MultiFast4 can run up to four samples simultaneously. Rapid temperature ramping and precise temperature control. Easy to use.
Ocean Optics
Product name: Remora
- Wireless adaptor for handheld and process FT-IR spectrometer.
- Infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), atomic, UV–vis, Raman.
Wireless Spectral Server : The device is an accessory for Ocean Optics model spectrometers HR-series, Maya-series, NIRQuest-series, and QE65000.
Portable: The device fits on top of the spectrometer, which is portable; the smallest footprint spectrometer model supported is 89.1 × 63.3 × 34.4 mm.
Specialty accessory: Microprocessor-driven adapter that turns Ocean Optics' spectrometers into web-servers that can wirelessly exchange data and operation parameters; plug and play adapter; users can access Remora over a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network to capture real-time data and control their spectrometer's parameters.
Special design features: Wireless communication; turns an Ocean Optics spectrometer into a WiFi information server with the Remora Wireless Spectral Server. This wireless appliance enables users to capture and access spectral data from a QE65000, HR2000, or HR4000 spectrometer wirelessly or via Ethernet. Remora's user interface is accessible through a PC, mobile phone, PDA, iPhone, and more. Users gain access through a web browser to view live data and change experiment parameters on the fly. Remora comes with its own static IP address so that configuration only takes seconds.
Software: SpectraSuite spectroscopy software is 21CFR11 compliant and available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Can be used anywhere a USB cable is inconvenient or remote access to the spectrometer is desirable; spectrometer performance checks can be run remotely.
Primary benefits: Allows users to perform spectrometer operating functions remotely by communicating with the spectrometer over Ethernet (wired or wireless) from software; the spectrometer is turned into a web and information server, with advantages of remote access; users can collect data, export spectral data to delimited and graph formats, and change the spectrometer's acquisition parameters — all remotely; Remora can download a spectrum as an image (.gif) file or text file and will generate a log file that tracks current and past setups for identifying errors.
PIKE Technologies
Product name: GladiATR Vision
- Laboratory FT-IR–ATR accessory.Infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz).Special design features: Diamond ATR with view of sample; used with other FT-IR equipment; compatible with most FT-IR models.
Suggested applications: Defect analysis, heterogeneous samples.
Primary benefits: Find and optimize sample area.
Unique features : Real-time view of sample.
Rare Light, Inc.
Product name: PenetrATR precision variable-angle ATR accessory
- Used for laboratory analysis in the mid-IR.
Design features: Angle can vary up to the critical angle.
Primary benefit: Improved depth of penetration and depth mapping.
Renishaw plc
Product name:
Raman-AFM
- Accessory: Fully integrated with NT-MDT's AFM using conventional or inverted microscope.
Special design features: Provides all conventional Raman functionality, but can also combine this with SPM methods including TERS, SNOM, and AFM.
Other special features: Fully integrated Raman-AFM system, compatible with NTMDT's AFMs.
Suggested applications: Materials science, chemistry, life sciences, polymer science.
Primary benefits : Now fully integrated software uses a single GUI to control both instruments. Hardware enables NSON and TERS with conventional or inverted light microscopes.
Unique features: Nanoscale visualization and analysis using AFM and TERS.
Retsch GmbH
Manufactures grinders and sizing equipment
Product name: AS 450 Sieve Shaker
Special design features: 20 kg capacity, 25 µm to 125 mm fractions in 11–14 steps.
Suggested applications : Separation, fractioning, particle size determination.
Primary benefits: Digital parameter setting with controlled amplitude, mobile operation panel for comfortable handling.
Unique features: Dry and wet sieving, adjustable amplitude.
Semrock, Inc.
Optical thin film filters for process UV–vis, Raman, UV (350 nm) well into the NIR (1600 nm)
Product name: EdgeBasic
Primary benefits: Nearly complete rejection of a laser line while passing as much nonlaser light as possible.
Unique features: Ultrawide passband yet deep thin-film notch filters. Filters achieve the deep (optical density > 6) laser-line blocking.
Product name: EdgeBasic
- Laboratory and process applications for UV–vis, Raman, fluorescence imaging
Unique features: Long-wave-pass filters are hard-coated optical filters that share all the high transmission (98% typical) and laser-line blocking performance of ultrasteep RazorEdge but with edge steepness that is tailored for cost-sensitive application.
Primary benefits: Durability and lasting reliability even in harsh environmental conditions, extended blocking of light from the laser wavelength deep into the for fluorescence applications.
Sierra Instruments
Product name: Innova-Sonic Model 206 ultrasonic flow measurement
Special features: 4–20 mA DC analog output, RS-232 output.
Primary benefits: superb resolution, low-flow detection.
Unique features: measure down to zero flow, no moving parts, measure transit time in picoseconds.
SPEX CertiPrep
Product name: Calibration standards for ILM 0.5.2 and ILM 0.5.3
- Used for laboratory analysis.
Suggested applications: Analyzing samples with ILM 0.5.3 methods via ICP and ICP-MS.
Primary benefits: Premade reference standards specifically for ILM 0.5.2 and ILM 0.5.3.
Unique features: Manufactured under ISO 9001/A2LA ISO 17025 and Guide 34 Accredited.
ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
This category includes optical emission, atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma instruments. Also specialized devices (primarily mercury analyzers).
Analytik Jena
Product name: ContrAA 700 atomic absorption spectrometer
- For laboratory analysis.
Design features: High resolution continuum source atomic absorption via flame and graphite furnace atomization.
Special design features: Automated direct solid sampling.
Special features: Immediate readiness, true sequential analysis, full sample automation, automatic self-check monitoring system, CCD allows 200 pixels for detection at 2-pm increments.Software available as separate product; 21CFR11 compliant, GMP compliant.
Suggested applications: Elemental quantification for low percent to low ppb range. Applications include R&D, academia, environmental, mineralogical, food and agriculture, and more.
Primary benefits: Instant access to all wavelengths of interest with one high intensity lamp saves money and increases S/N. True-sequential elemental analysis is routine: saves time. Simultaneous background correction increases analysis speed and accuracy.
Unique features: Short-arc xenon lamp provides Continuum Source providing full-range access in the 185–900 nm range. Direct solid analysis capability allows direct assay of samples in solid form without acid digestion–dilution. Hydride accessories for high-sensitive analysis of hydride-forming elements As, Bi, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, and Hg.
Bruker
Product name: Q6 COLUMBUS — OES Metals Analyzer
- Q6 COLUMBUS — spectrometer for laboratory and on-site analysis
- Designed for low limits of detection, reduced measurement times, reproducibility; Windows XP–based QMatrix software.
Milestone, Inc.
Product name: DMA-80 Tri-Cell
Suggested applications: Fish, energy, soil, environmental, clinical, research, coal, geologics, cement.
Primary benefits: Direct mercury analysis with no sample preparation. No waste generation. Fast, accurate results in 6 min. Detection levels: 0.0015 ng. Fully compliant with EPA 7473.
PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc.
Product name: AAnalyst 600 atomic absorption spectrometer
- The AAnalyst 600 is equipped with a solid-state detector for analysis over the entire AA wavelength range. High performance, single-path optics provide AAnalyst 600 spectrometers with maximum light throughput and high S/N. The spectrometer and furnace are controlled using WinLab 32 software, which has been designed for ease of use and simplified operation with single keyboard control. An eight-lamp holder includes built-in lamp power supplies for both hollow cathode and electrodeless discharge lamps. Automatic lamp selection and alignment further improve operating convenience and productivity.
Design features: The state-of-the-art detector and high performance optical system are combined with a transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) furnace assembly, longitudinal Zeeman-effect background correction, enhanced STPF technology, and True Temperature Control (TTC).
Special features: Automatic lamp selection and alignment, automated optimization for maximum sensitivity, automatic switching between flame and graphite furnace operation.
Product Name: AAnalyst 50 atomic absorption spectrometer
Special features: Double-beam, complete safety interlocks, deuterium lamp background correction.
Suggested applications: Academia, plating, mining.
Primary benefit(s) to the spectroscopist: Double-beam technology at low price point.
Unique feature(s) worthy of mention: Double-beam, proven sample and burner introduction systems.
SE International
Product name: URSA-II Universal Radiation Spectrum Analyzer
- For laboratory, process, and handheld analyzers.
- New detectors for atomic spectroscopy.
Portable: 157 x 90 x 44 mm (6.186 x 3.558 x 1.718 in.) without probe
Design features: Two detector inputs. One standard series "C" connector for detectors where the signal is joined with the high voltage supply. The other is for detectors having separate connections for high voltage (SHV connector) and signal (BNC connector). External connector provides +5 V, +12 V, and -12 V for external preamplifiers and two logic signals for notifying external devices of alarm conditions. URSA-II MCA software included.
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered (rechargeable), detector selection via software. The URSA II, with a full-featured MCA program, can be used with practically any radiation detector and can extract any data a detector can supply up to 2000 V. Compatible with other manufacturers' equipment.
Suggested applications: Can be used as a standalone MCA or incorporated into an existing system, as it is fully customizable.
Primary benefits: The MCA has the ability to use existing probes without any proprietary restrictions.
Unique features: 4096 channels for isotope identification and a built-in multichannel scaler.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.
Product name: AA-7000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer
- Laboratory atomic absorption spectrometer
Software: Included, 21CFR11 compliant when combined with CLASS-Agent, cGMP compliant. May be used with other Shimadzu AA systems.
Suggested applications: Environmental, metals, pharmaceuticals, food, biofuels, all typical AA applications.
Primary benefits: Enhanced sensitivity for both flame and furnace; smallest footprint on the market — saves bench space; one autosampler for both flame and furnace — saves capital cost and set-up time; autosampler can also mix a sample with four other solutions for a higher level of automation; numerous safety features, including an earthquake sensor.
Unique features: Newly developed 3-D optical system delivers enhanced, more sensitive flame and furnace analysis; one autosampler and advanced safety technology; software demos in less than 1 min.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, Inc.
Product name: SPECTRO GENESIS inductively coupled plasma spectrometer
- Used for laboratory analysis.
- ICP: 175–777 nm range. Also used for optical emission spectroscopy.
Suggested applications: Environmental and general industrial applications.
Primary benefits: Available in both radial and axial plasma observation with simultaneous measuring technology, designed for high throughput.
Software: New software termed SPECTRO SMART ANALYZERVISION ICP software is compatible with Windows Vista and runs an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
Unique features: Axial and radial plasma observation.
Teledyne Leeman Labs
Process mercury analyzer
Product name: Hydra IIAA mercury analyzer
Special design features: One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hydra IIAA is its ability to be upgraded to direct solids analysis. Instrument can perform high throughput liquids analysis as well as direct solid sample analysis.
Other special features: 1 ppt detection limits, fast sample throughput, 270-position autosampler. New Envoy software available as special product. This intuitive software automates the analytical process from method development to final report generation. Help is provided in the software, including scheduled maintenance and audiovisual tutorials.
Primary benefits: Instrument can be upgraded to direct solids analysis.
COMPONENTS
"Components," in the context of this review, are distinguished from "accessories," as described under that heading, by generally being used as integral parts of an instrument. Examples would include sources, detectors, and optical fibers (used as-is, internally in an instrument, as opposed to fiber-optic cells).
Alpes Lasers SA
Product name: Tunable IR Semiconductor Laser: Infrared (4–17 µm, tunable — and terahertz).
- Used in laboratory, process, or handheld analyzers.
Portable: Butterfly package; requires support electronics and optics to make an instrument.
Other features: Continuous tuning over several cm-1 , mW power, narrow linewidth, and availability at any wavelength.
Suggested applications: High-resolution spectroscopy and concentration measurement of trace gases.
Primary benefits: High (> milliwatt) power, high stability, room temperature operation, long life, narrow linewidth, tunable in wavelength.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product name: IntelliGain Mini Narrow 785 or 1064 nm fiber lasers
- Laboratory and process Raman.
Design features: New VPG-grating enhanced fiber lasers, telecom-grade reliability, rack or card mounting available, interchangeable probes and fiber-optic accessories.
Portable: Card-mount: 120 x 95 x 13 mm, rack-mount: 212 x 88 x 203 mm.
Special features: High output power, Narrow spectral width (typically 0.2 nm FWHM), telecom-grade grade reliability, may be used in other manufacturers' equipment. Software available as separate product, 21CFR11 compliant: Q2/2009, cGMP compliant: Q2/2009.
Suggested applications: Raman spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, medical diagnostics, fiber-optic sensing, NIR spectroscopy, test and measurement source, laboratory source.
Primary benefits: Stable performance, long life and low maintenance, optional OEM packaging.
Unique features: Instruments are designed using telecom-grade components for long life and low maintenance. Card-mount 1064-nm light source.
BHK, Inc.
BHK provides specialized and custom lamps and light sources for scientific and industrial applications, over the wavelength range 150–20,000 nm (0.15–20 µm), at power levels from < 1 W to > 200 W. Custom designs are available for situations where standard designs are not satisfactory.
Product name: Mercury lamps
Suggested applications: UV sterilizers, ozone generators, interferometers, fixed-wavelength photometers, UV curing of polymers, photochemical studies.
Daylight Solutions
Fixed-wavelength and tunable-wavelength lasers
Product name: Fixed Wavelength Mid-IR to THz Compact Fixed Wavelength external-cavity Quantum Cascade Laser.
- Suitable for laboratory and process use.
Other specifications: 30 mW, single mode, highly collimated output with no cryogenic cooling. Complete system with controller.
Suggested applications: Seeding, IR illumination, differential imaging, stand-off detection.
Primary benefits: Room temperature operation, high power, and highly collimated optical output.
Unique features: Center wavelength may be factory set to 1 cm-1 (30 GHz), with narrow linewidth of < 0.003 cm-1 (100 MHz).
EMCO High Voltage Corporation
Product name: USB high voltage power supplies
- Used for laboratory equipment
Portable: Footprint less than 2.3 in. × 3.6 in. Intended for desktop or workbench use.
Design features: Included is a compact power supply, control software, and accessories, providing connectivity.
Suggested applications: Solid-state detectors, avalanche photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, EO lenses, electrophoresis, piezo devices, high-voltage experiments.
Special features: Designed for ease of use.
Primary benefits: Small form-factor supplies are designed to bring an ease of operation to R&D with the same precision of large benchtop power supplies.
Unique features: Ease of use for engineers, scientists, and researchers experimenting or designing products requiring high voltage.
Glass Expansion
Product name: TruFlo
- Accessory for ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
- Compatible with all brands of ICP-OES and ICP-MS systems.
Suggested applications: Measures the actual rate of sample uptake to the nebulizer.
Primary benefits: Enhances the day-to-day reproducibility of the results and reduces the need to repeat measurements due to a blocked nebulizer, worn pump tubing, or incorrect clamping of the pump tube.
Unique features: Sounds an alarm if the sample uptake is outside specified limits.
KLASTECH-Karpushko Laser Technologies GmbH
Product name: DENICAFC single-frequency solid-state lasers
- Used for laboratory instrumentation either directly by technicians or through integration by OEM engineers.
Design features: CW output in 1064 nm (up to 2W), 694 nm (up to 200 mW), 532 nm (up to 1 W), 488 nm (up to 20 mW), 266 nm (up to 100 mW). These lasers are designed for very stable laser emission with single longitudinal mode spectral structure of very narrow line width (< 1 MHz). Designed for extremely low optical noise and beam pointing stability. TEM00 beam profile with diffraction limited divergence.
Special features: These lasers are capable of direct modulation as a factory-fitted custom requirement.
Suggested applications: All laser spectroscopy applications that do not require the generation of a plasma, for example, FT-IR and Raman.
Primary benefits: DENICAFC lasers naturally produce a very narrow frequency band so they can be used for super-fine resolution spectroscopy applications. Laser wavelengths currently available can be used for spectroscopy with other wavelengths also being developed. The inherent design with multiple internal temperature control points ensures beam pointing stability, which is very important when focusing on small sample areas. The divergence of the optical output is also diffraction limited.
Unique features: DENICAFC Double Enhanced Laser Technology underpins these platforms. Essentially, the second harmonic generating crystal is placed inside the laser cavity in such a way that the optical output does not suffer from so-called green noise or leakage from the fundamental wavelength. This technology provides for 10x greater second harmonic conversion efficiency, thereby opening up other CW wavelengths that were hitherto unattainable outside of the pulsed regime. Reduced heat dissipation and footprint, which is important for spectroscopy instrument designers. Power adjustment–direct modulation without need foradjusting the pump diode laser current, therefore maintaining output stability.
MOXTEK, Inc.
Product name: Magnum 50kV X-ray tube
- Used for laboratory, process, and handheld instruments used in transmission mode.
Portable: Weight ˜ 1.1 lb (500 g); 11.2 in. long, 2.25 in. wide, plus wire length can be 4–11.5 in.
Specialty accessory: FTC-200 X-ray Tube Controller. The FTC-200 X-Ray Tube Controller is designed to power, control, and monitor miniature X-ray tubes. The controller contains all of the necessary electronics to operate the high-voltage power supply.
Special features: MAGNUM X-ray tubes are small, compact, and lightweight; allow close coupling of collimator and target; provide low power consumption and high X-ray output; and can be packaged into custom enclosures.
Suggested applications: Handheld and benchtop instrumentation such as portable XRF, handheld imaging, benchtop EDXRF, instrument calibration, microfluorescence, and microdiffraction.
Primary benefits: Close coupling of source to detector; portable, versatile, comfortable; higher X-ray output with lower power tube; long battery life; short sampling time. The key advantages of the Moxtek tubes are stability and portability.
Unique features: X-ray tubes are small, compact, and lightweight, and provide high X-ray output.
Teledyne Leeman Labs
Product name: Prodigy DC Arc
- Source for laboratory atomic spectrometer.
Suggested applications: Ceramics such as metal oxides, carbides, borides, nitrides; refractory powders such as SiC; graphite, geological materials, nuclear materials, soils, sludges, ashes.
Primary benefits: Fast, quantitative, elemental analyses of difficult samples.
Unique features: Enhances material testing capabilities by providing low detection limits and fast turn-around times for a virtually unlimited number of elements in challenging sample matrices.
FIRST RESPONDERS
This category is the only one distinguished by the application rather than the technology. It includes those instruments that are portable but are intended to be used in the field, usually by transporting the instrument to the site of an emergency, while getting rapid laboratory-quality results.
Ahura Scientific
Product name: TruDefender FTIR (mid-IR) analyzer.
- Portable, handheld, field use: 2.9 lb in weight, 5h battery operating capacity.
Suggested applications: Oils, lubricants, pulp and papers, bulk chemicals, foods, beverages, composites, polymers, forensic analysis, counterfeit identification.
Unique features: Handheld, field use.
GE Security
www.gesecurity.com or www.streetlabmobile.com
Product name: Street Lab Mobile
- Handheld Raman spectrometer.
Portable: 15 in. x 5 in. x 8 in.
Special features: Battery powered, wireless transmission of data to laptop.
Suggested applications: Hazardous materials response, unknown chemical screening, remediation and waste characterization.
Primary benefits: Identify a broad range of substances through glass, plastic, and some translucent containers.
FLUORESCENCE
There's a somewhat gray line between fluorescence and Raman instrumentation. In the context of this review, the category an instrument was placed into was determined by the manufacturer's description. It is recommended that instruments in both categories be inspected.
Hitachi High Technologies America
Product name: F-2500 fluorescence spectrometer
- The F-2500 spectrometer serves a wide variety of analytical needs in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, new materials, and more, designed for high sensitivity and ease of operation.
- The F-2500 fluorescence spectrophotometer has been designed with scan speeds of up to 3000 nm/min, resolution of 2.5 nm, and comprehensive data processing functions for photometry, wavelength scanning, and time scanning. Applications include life sciences, biotechnology, quality control, education, new materials, and other basic scientific researches.
Design features: Sensitivity two times higher than the conventional model. (S/N: 450 or better); incorporates a multistep slit of 2.5–20 nm; PC control using FL Solutions software featuring quantitative analysis functions, data export function into Excel, and print preview function; electronics enable users to find out the quantitative determination of a sample (of unknown concentration) by preparing a linear calibration curve in a concentration range on the order of approximately six digits; true spectra measurable without an instrumental response (spectral correction); controlled with a mouse in an icon-based operating environment; horizontal beams permit measuring a trace amount of sample.
Mercury Instruments USA
www.mercury-instrumentsusa.com
Mercury Instruments
Product name: AULA 254 and 254 Fluorescence cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAAS) spectrometer.
Design features: The instrument carries out routine analysis, sample after sample, following exactly a preselected procedure.
Suggested applications: Fully automated determination of mercury in a wide variety of samples: water; waste; soils and effluents; EPA Methods 245.1, 245.7, 1631, 7470, and 7471A; medicine (urine, blood, saliva, hair); chemical industry (process monitoring, quality control); geochemistry (geological and mineralogical samples); petrochemistry.
Unique features: Fully automated flow analysis system.
Ocean Optics
Product name: NeoFox
- Laboratory and process: Fiber-optic analyzer for fluorescence and temperature measurement.
Suggested application: Oxygen sensing.
Primary benefits: The NeoFox phase measurement system is a fluorescence-based optical sensor system that helps reduce costs, improve stability, and make calibration easier for oxygen sensing setups. The benchtop device is designed for measurement of fluorescence lifetime, phase, and intensity and is particularly suited for applications where sensitivity to drift and system stability are critical.
Unique features: Stand-alone system.
IMAGING
In the context of this review, imaging capability was given precedence over the wavelength range in determining the classification. Thus, this section includes imaging instruments and microscopes regardless of the primary technology.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product name: Nunavut NIR cameras — Deep-cooled detector for laboratory and process Raman spectrometers
Design features: Real-time spectral data acquisition with millisecond response time; ultralow power consumption; deep cooling to –80 °C; three models: 300–1100 nm, 850–1700 nm, 1100–2200 nm; optional water cooling; compatible with other manufacturers' equipment.
Portable: 167 x 104 x 85 mm. Software is 21CFR11 compliant: Q2/2009 and cGMP compliant: Q2/2009.
Suggested applications: Raman spectroscopy, pharmaceuticals, agricultural, beverage and brewery, cosmetics, explosives detection, counterfeit detection, medical diagnostics, food safety, petrochemical, law enforcement, pulp and paper, mining, oil exploration, biomedical research, homeland security.
Primary benefit: Stable performance, long life and low maintenance, optional OEM packaging.
Unique features: Instruments are designed using telecom-grade components for long life and low maintenance.
ChemImage Corp.
Product name: FALCON II Wide-Field Raman chemical imaging system
- Laboratory imaging system infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), UV–vis, Raman, transmission, reflection, Raman scattering.
Suggested applications: Drug particle sizing in nasal sprays, metered dose inhalers, emulsions, and polymers; contamination identification; troubleshooting.
Primary benefits: High resolution, chemically specific imaging; combined optical, Raman, NIR, and fluorescence imaging in one system.
Unique features: Wide-field, or global, imaging; high spatial and spectral resolution; automated data acquisition; software analysis capabilities.
InPhotonics, Inc.
Product name: Imaging fiber-optic Raman probe
- For laboratory, process, and handheld Raman analysis, includes fiber optics.
Special accessory available: Microscope stand for positioning the imaging probe over the sample.
Special features: USB-powered internal video camera.
Suggested applications: Biomedical tissue analysis, gem inclusion analysis, forensic evidence analysis, artwork analysis.
Primary benefits: Allows visualization of where on the sample the Raman excitation beam is illuminating and allows both a picture of the sample with illuminated spot and resulting Raman spectrum to be stored to computer memory. Compatible with other manufacturers' equipment.
Unique features: Portable at 4.4 x
3.3 x 1.6 in.; field of view 0.1 in. x 0.1 in.; diameter of laser spot size in field of view 10 mil (250 µm).
JASCO
Product name: FT-IR microscopes (IRT-7000, IRT-5000, IRT-1000)
- Used for laboratory analysis, infrared transmission, reflection, ATR.
- Portable (IRT-1000 only, integrated within FT-IR sample compartment of VIR9000): 2 x 2 x 2 ft.
Special accessories: IR and visible polarizers, differential interference contrast, fluorescence observation (IRT-5000/7000).
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered (VIR-9000 and IRT-1000 system is portable, capable of battery operation for up to 3 h).
Suggested applications: Forensics, polymers analysis, defects analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, materials analysis, and so forth.
Primary benefits: Ease of use, automated capabilities, increased sensitivity (S/N), enhanced imaging speed (IRT-7000). Software is 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant.
Unique features: Grazing angle (IRT-5000/7000).
Malvern Instruments (See listing under Software)
Middleton Research
Product name: SisuCHEMA Near-Infrared Hyperspectral imaging system
- Used for reflection-mode NIR (970–2500 nm) laboratory analysis.
Design features: SWIR camera with four-stage cooled MCT detector. Has a unique line illumination for heat-sensitive materials.
Special features: Sample stage and low-power line illumination included in the system.
Software: System includes SpectralDAQ camera controller and data acquisition software and Umbio Evince image processing system, also available as separate product. Camera system with the same or similar illumination arrangements may be transferred to process applications.
Suggested applications: Pharmaceutical tablets and other formulations, agricultural and food products.
Primary benefits: Line illumination system coupled with the push-broom camera reduces the heat load on the samples during measurements. Automated white and dark reference measurement and focusing.
Unique features: High optical throughput of the MCT camera allows rapid measurement of complete hyperspectral images, usually within a few seconds.
Princeton Instruments
Product name: Acton Series LS 785 NIR Lens Spectrograph
- Used for NIR and Raman laboratory analysis.
- Software is available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Raman, fluorescence, biomedical.
Primary benefits: High throughput, easy wavelength adjustment, easy interface to fiber-optic probes and microscopes, 5-cm-1 resolution.
Unique features: f/2 lenses with proprietary coatings from Acton Optics & Coatings provide > 99% throughput.
Resonon, Inc.
Product name: Pika NIR Imaging (reflection) spectrometer (0.9–1.7 µm)
- For laboratory and portable analysis: 4 x 9 x 3 in.; 3.25 lb.
Suggested applications: Sorting, quality control, environmental monitoring.
Primary benefits: Complete plug-and-play system that provides a detailed image with a spectrum for each pixel.
Special features: Software included with Pika NIR provides data acquisition, visualization, and analysis capabilities; integrates with scanning stage; scripting capability; optional scanning stages; 60-Hz frame rate.
Teraview Ltd.
Product name: TPS Spectra 3000
- Reflection imaging module for pulsed terahertz imaging of materials to analyze defects and layers within materials.
- Used for laboratory imaging and analysis using terahertz radiation.
Portable: Self-contained transportable unit.
Measurement modes: Transmission reflection, ATR.
Accessories: Mapping module, 35° and 45° ATR modules, stand-off reflectance unit, cryostat, specular reflection module.
Suggested applications: Polymorph identification, nondestructive testing, materials analysis, salt screening, dielectric measurements, research physics of semiconductors, superconductors.
Primary benefits: Ease of use (turnkey), different modules for numerous applications.
Unique features: The only modular terahertz spectrometer with a purged sample compartment and a variety of sampling modules.
MASS SPECTROMETRY
Includes integrated (hyphenated) systems where a mass spectrometer is one of the components.
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Product name: 7000A triple-quadrupole GC–MS
Design features: Breakthrough sensitivity of 100 fg of OFN at 100:1 S/N in MS-MS mode (verified at customer site); MRM speed of 500 transitions/s; quadrupole enhances performance up to 1050 u; quartz monolith allows the analyzer to be heated to 200 °C to eliminate contamination commonly seen at lower temperatures; integrated capillary flow technology reportedly provides reduced source maintenance, shorter analysis cycle times, and increased column life; 14 in. (35 cm) wide; inert ion source that is programmable up to 350 °C; delivers enhanced response for active compounds and late eluters; electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (PCI and NCI) sources available, triple-axis HED-EM detector provides lower neutral noise; differentially pumped vacuum system with a single mechanical roughing pump; safe operation with hydrogen carrier gas.
Suggested applications: Toxicology screening, pesticides, nitro-polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons in air particulates, complex samples.
Nanoliter, LLC
Product name: Cool Wave dispenser
- Induction-based fluidics (IBF) do not spray, but rather, launch discrete droplets (not a spray) to a target, direct them in flight and can measure them, verifying transmission, on arrival at the target, if desired. Only 1% or less is typically transmitted into the mass spectrometer in LC–MS and MS-MS experiments that use ESI. Spatially and temporally concentrated plug of analyte increases sensitivity as a large dn/dt (n = moles) enters the source. Furthermore, as IBF employs induction, not conduction as per ESI, there are no faradaic processes. Hence, the analyte is not degraded.
PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc.
Product name: ELAN DRC-e ICP-MS
Design features: Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC) technology to eliminate polyatomic interferences, while innovative axial field technology provides increased speed and stability.
Suggested applications: Interference removal, analysis of water, determination of arsenic compounds.
Special features: HF-resistant sample introduction system can be used with any matrix; quick-change cones that resist clogging and drift; maintenance-free reaction cell.
Picarro, Inc. / OI Analytical
Product name: iTOC-CRDS: Second-place award winner of Editors' Choice competition for most innovative product at 2009 Pittcon
- Cavity ring-down spectroscopy for laboratory analysis.
- Picarro, Inc. has partnered with O.I. Corporation, d.b.a. O.I. Analytical, to develop a turnkey analyzer to measure total organic carbon (TOC) as well as the carbon stable isotope ratio (13 C). The instrument is designed to work directly with solids, liquids, sludges, and slurries. The integrated system can perform either wet oxidation on the carbon content of aqueous solutions or combustion of solid–semisolid organic materials to generate CO2. The Picarro isotopic analyzer then measures the liberated CO2. The isotopic CO2 analyzer is based on wavelength scanned cavity ringdown spectroscopy (WS-CRDS), and the system delivers 13 C precision as high as 0.2‰ (per mil) in seconds or minutes depending on sample specifics. In both cases, the CO2 is introduced directly into the WS-CRDS unit with no drying or other purification necessary.
Special features: Benchtop operation, easy-to-use isotopic analysis for solids and liquids.
Suggested applications: Origin of food (appellation of origin) and adulteration analyses for such products as wine, fruit juice, edible oils including olive oil, seeds, nuts, fruits, chocolate, and dairy products. In addition, this system serves environmental science applications such as carbon isotope distribution in soils, sediments, and plant materials as well as limnology, hydrobiology, and marine and freshwater ecosystem studies.
Primary benefits: Fully integrated, compact system, easy to use and flexible, high precision measurement of 13 C and TIC–TOC.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.
Product name: LCMS-2020 single-quadrupole mass spectrometer
Primary benefits: Designed for faster measurement, higher sensitivity than other single-quadrupole analyzers.
Suggested applications: Pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants and contaminants, easier operation and maintenance.
Unique features: Redesigned ion transfer section, user-replaceable ionization unit.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product name: Quantum Access MAX MS/MS mass spectrometer.
Design features: Mass range up to m/z 3000, fast positive/negative ion switching.
Primary benefits: Simultaneous quantitation and structural determination, robust and sensitive heated electrospray ionization source.
Suggested applications: Pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, clinical research, forensics, herbicides.
Special features: High-speed, zero cross-talk collision cell.
Waters Corporation
Product name: Xevo TQ MS
- Water's Xevo TQ MS system is designed to provide quantitation in complex sample matrices. The tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer is designed to enable uncomplicated access to superior HPLC and UHPLC–MS-MS and deliver high levels of sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, speed, and accuracy.
- The instrument is equipped with ScanWave collision cell technology.
Suggested applications: Confirming peak identification in bioanalysis, ADME screening, food safety, environmental monitoring, forensic, components in human plasma, pharmaceuticals, monitoring matrix interferences, confirmation of drug metabolites, pesticide residues, impurity characterization, and simultaneous confirmation and quantification.
Special features: Automated system setup and system checks for simple access, automated instrument optimization and quantitative method development tools, ZSpray atmospheric pressure ion source, ionization options such as multimode ionization in a single run, T-Wave and ScanWave enabled collision cell technology, fits on laboratory benchtop, dedicated application managers for specialized analytical requirements.
Mid-IR
Covers the wavelength range longer than approximately 2.5 µm (2500 nm, 4000 cm-1 ).
A2 Technologies
Product name: Exoscan mid-FT-IR spectrometer with docking station
- Laboratory and handheld spectrometer (portable: 6.75 x 4.7 x 8.8 in.; weight: approximately 6 lb).
Design features: Handheld, portable FT-IR analyzer designed to provide performance equivalent to traditional benchtop FT-IR systems; interchangeable specular, grazing angle, and internal reflectance sampling interfaces; docking and sampling station enables use as either a benchtop laboratory system or as handheld instrument.
Special features: Portable, handheld, battery powered, PDA operated FT-IR.
Applications: Evaluation of surfaces for contamination and proper surface preparation before bonding; evaluation of composite materials; identification and quality control of polymers and composites.
Primary benefits: Allows analysts to develop methods in the laboratory and then implement the method in the field with the same system. Conversely, it allows data to be acquired in the field for analysis at the laboratory bench using a laptop or desktop computer. Enables at-site, nondestructive analysis of large samples or samples too valuable to cut to size for traditional FT-IR systems.
Bruker
Product name: ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer
Design features: Size approximately equivalent to a lab book; footprint of 22 cm x 30 cm; weighs about 7 kg (13 lb); plug-and-play setup; QuickSnap sampling modules for FT-IR analysis; interferometer is based on the company's RockSolid design used in laboratory and process spectrometers; designed to be insensitive to vibration; can be moved without need for alignment.
Software: OPUS/Mentor software interface.
Suggested applications: Solids, liquids, or gases. Transmission, attenuated total reflection (ATR), and external and diffuse reflection FT-IR sampling accessories are available.
JASCO
Product name: FT-IR microscopes (IRT-7000, IRT-5000, IRT-1000)
- Used for laboratory analysis using infrared transmission, reflection, ATR.
- Portable (IRT-1000 only) integrated within FT-IR sample compartment of VIR9000: 2 x 2 x 2 ft.
Special design features: Grazing angle (IRT-5000/7000).
Specialty accessories: IR and visible polarizers, differential interference, contrast, fluorescence observation (IRT-5000/7000).
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered (VIR-9000 and IRT-1000 system is portable, capable of battery operation for up to 3 h); software is 21CFR11 and cGMP compliant.
Suggested applications: Forensics, polymers analysis, defects analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, materials analysis, and so forth.
Primary benefits: Ease of use, automated capabilities, increased sensitivity (S/N), enhanced imaging speed (IRT-7000).
MIDAC Corp.
Product name: Emissions box with 3-in. integrated telescope
- Handheld spectrometer for mid-IR analysis.
- Portable (handheld): 11 in. H x 12 in. L x 8 in. W.
Special features: Portability, battery powered; can be run off 12 V DC battery. Autoquant EFTIR Software included.
Suggested applications: Open path.
Primary benefits: Light weight, portability.
PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc.
Product name: Spectrum 100 FTIR Spectrometer
Applications: Materials testing, academia, and research.
Design features: Designed for ease of use, reliability, and high sensitivity with highly absorbing or poorly reflecting materials.
Spectro, Inc.
Product name: FluidScan
- Laboratory and handheld mid-IR spectroscopy.
Portable: 6.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Accessories: Battery operated, charger, flip-top cells for transmission and ATR.
Design features: Flip-top cell that is a combination of transmission and ATR.
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered. Flip-top cell designed to eliminate fringing effects. The cell reportedly is capable of analyzing greases.
Unique design features: Operates on a Li-Ion battery pack for up to 8 h.
Software: FluidScan Manager database software for personal computer enables users to store, trend, set alarms, and report all collected data.
Suggested applications: Key oil condition parameters including total base number (TBN), total acid number (TAN), oxidation, nitration, sulfation, incorrect lubricant, additive depletion, soot, glycol–antifreeze, water, FAME, glycerin.
Primary benefits: Handheld; correlation with titration methods and FT-IR; easier and faster to operate; no consumables.
Unique features: Self-contained handheld analyzer that delivers instant fluid condition assessment to the user based on ASTM Standard Practice E2412. It has no moving parts and eliminates the need for sample preparation and cleanup. The instrument's mid-IR spectrometer collects the infrared light transmitted through the fluid in the flip-top cell into a waveguide. The waveguide then carries the light to and from a prism-like diffraction grating into an array detector that registers the infrared spectrum of the fluid. The waveguide allows the infrared signal to be completely confined. Self-calibrating reference; under 1-min analysis time; flip-top cell; spectra matching software for correlation to unknown samples; stores over 5000 records; available in yellow or olive drab.
Wilks Enterprise, Inc.
Product name: InfraSpec VFA-IR Mid-IR variable filter spectrometer
- Used for laboratory and process analysis; ATR, transmission, and diffuse reflection measurement modes.
Design features: 128-pixel detector array with a linear variable filter pre-selected for a wavelength range of 2.5–5 µm, 5.5–11 µm, or 7–14 µm. Sample holders preset for measurement mode.
Portable: 6.0 in. x 6.5 in. x 2.75 in. (15.2 cm x 16.5 cm x 7 cm).
Special features: Portable, can be battery powered, compact, light weight, no moving parts, no optical path exposed to air, operable outside a laboratory environment. Software included is capable of chemometric calibration.
Suggested applications: Materials verification, flexible films, biofuels, agriculture soils, composite materials, and trans-fat analysis.
Primary benefits: Portability, small footprint, good for applicationspecific repetitive analysis.
NEAR IR
Includes those instruments operating in the 780–2500 nm (4000–12,800 cm-1 ) region. Note that some instruments (especially historical ones) classified as UV–vis instruments include some, or all, of the NIR region as an extension of their capability to measure in the visible region.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product name: SuperGamut NIR spectrometer
Suggested applications: Agriculture, including growing, marketing, and distribution; pharmaceuticals, including process monitoring, mixing, water content, particle size, blend accuracy, measurement of laser stability.
Special features: Operation in the 900–1700 nm range.
Bruins Instruments USA
Product name: InfraCheck Near Infrared analyzer
- Used for laboratory, at-line, and field analysis.
Transportable: 26 lb, 16.6 in. W x 15.25 in. D x 8.5 in. H.
Measurement mode: Reflection.
Design features: Small footprint, low power consumption, touch-screen driven, rapid scanning, grating-based, doublebeam (in time) analyzer with top mount sealed sampling window, 1100–2500 nm spectral range at 0.5-nm data interval.
Special features: Low power allows battery power with converter; rugged transportable benchtop can easily be located at site; fully transferable calibrations without any adjustment.
Software: Built-in 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant, Microsoft Windows–based Omega Predict analyzer software with color LCD touchscreen
operation utilizes calibrations methods developed from commercially available software including Thermo GRAMS PLSPlus/IQ as well as direct transfer of MLR calibrations from most commercial NIR instruments including filter-based instruments; full data logging into secure database files and fully configurable password-protected user access to all functions; network and USB ports for data and results transfer, export spectral data in JCAMP and SPC formats, and LIMS integration; data and results output to a number of commercially available products; compatible with and may be used in other equipment.
Suggested applications: Powders, pastes, or gels including bakery products (for example, flour), tea, coffee, pharmaceuticals, consumer products.
Primary benefits: Low power, small footprint, 30-s measurement time, calibrations fully transferable between all instruments with no adjustment.
Bruker
Product name: MATRIX-F Process NIR spectrometer
- For laboratory and process analysis.
Applications: Raw material identification, quality control of finished products, analytic concentrations in liquid and emulsions in addition to powders and pellets.
Design features: The instrument can be used as a standalone system for method development and then can be moved directly into a process application; individually enclosed modules are designed to fit into standard 19-in. racks and enclosures; individual consumable components are on prealigned mounts and can be exchanged without any realignment of the optics; consumable items and electronics are located in separate compartments and can be exchanged without disturbing the sealed, desiccated optics area; on-line diagnostics monitor the performance of the electronics and consumable items and advise the user of a failing component; instrument performance is validated with the click of a button using the company's Instrument Test software in conjunction with a built-in Internal Validation Unit.
Buchi Corporation
Product name: NIRFlex N-500
- Fourier transform NIR instrument for laboratory and process analysis.
Design features: Rugged, high-performance polarization interferometer; a twin-lamp design allowing automatic change over to the secondary lamp should the primary lamp fail; a user-exchangeable HeNe laser; internal standards for routine performance verification (photometric linearity, noise, wavelength accuracy–precision), and optional USP performance verification; a range of sampling modules are available to optimize spectral collection over a large range of sample types — the newest sampling module is the Solids Transmittance module, which is designed to enable users to measure NIR spectra of tablets and other solid dosage forms in transmittance mode. The module features autogain detector settings as well as specially coated sample plates to minimize light leakage around the tablets.
Software features: Automatic calculation of content uniformity by USP and EU, as well as by Japanese Pharmacopeia methods.
FOSS NIRSystems, Inc.
Product name: XDS MasterLab Near-Infrared spectrometer
- For laboratory and (at-line) process analysis.
Measurement modes: Transmission and reflection.
Specialized accessories: Different trays for solid dosage forms and vials.
Special features: Transferability between instruments, hot-swappable modules.
Software: 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant, available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Content uniformity of solid dosage forms, rapid nondestructive measurement of powders and liquids.
Primary benefits: Increased precision and accuracy.
Unique features: Automated transmission or reflectance analysis; nondestructive chemical analysis down to the microgram level in less than 1 min.
NIR Technology Systems
Product name: Series 2000 Near Infrared Transmission Analyzer
- Used for NIR laboratory analysis.
Software included: NTAS NIR Technology Analysis software for calibration and method development.
Suggested applications: Moisture, alcohol, amines, amides, protein, oil, carbohydrates, hydrocarbons in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, plastics, polymers, and chemicals.
Primary benefits: Flexible NIT spectrophotometer with a wide range of sample cells for virtually any type of sample; simple operation designed for quality assurance or at-line testing.
Unique features: Solid-state optics based on a diode-array spectrometer.
Ocean Optics
Product name: NIRQuest NIR spectrometer
- Laboratory and process infrared fiber-optic analyzer using transmission and reflection.
Measurement modes: Absorbance, transmission, reflection, emission.
Design features: Couples via SMA 905 connector to accessory products including light sources, sampling optics, and optical fibers and probes.
Special features: The instrument is available with detectors ranging from 900 to 2500 nm; multiple grating options for better optimizing setups; wireless capabilities.
Software: SpectraSuite spectroscopy software: 21CFR11 compliant; available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Research, process, medical (diagnostics tool for analysis of blood, tumors), food and beverage (including production of wine and spirits, detection of moisture in grains, fruit and meats, detection of bacteria and nasty stuff), laser characterization, remote monitoring of plants and soils (nitrogen content), environmental monitoring (site remediation, wastewater analysis), pharmaceuticals, oil, and gas.
Primary benefits: Improved spectral performance and increased options for grating ranges; user can optimize setups for optical resolution, sensitivity, and S/N performance; less complex alternative to FT-IR and comparable technologies; high-performance optical bench with low-noise electronics and more grating options; available in versions for 900–1700 nm, 900–2100 nm, and 900–2500 nm.
Unique features: Up to eight grating options; Javabased software works in Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Pembroke Instruments, LLC
Product name: NIR spectral engine
Design features: Based on BaySpec's Super Gamut series NIR spectral engines; wavelength ranges from 850 to 2500 nm; Volume Phase Grating (VPG) as the spectral dispersion element and an ultra-sensitive InGaAs array detector as the detection element; fiber-optic input or slit optics arrangement based on customer preferences; control electronics read out the processed digital signal to extract required information; both the raw data and the processed data are available to the host; real-time spectral data acquisition with millisecond response time; athermal design for ultralow power consumption and improved reliability; hermetic sealing for operation in harsh environments.
Suggested applications: Pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, agriculture, semiconductors, beverage and brewery, cosmetics, explosives detection, counterfeit detection, water quality, food safety, petrochemical, law enforcement, pulp and paper, mining, oil exploration, biomedical research, homeland security.
Special features: Designed for field battery operation.
Photon Control, Inc.
Product name: SPM-002-NIR1700 near-infrared and UV–vis spectrometer
- Used for laboratory and process analysis.
Portable: 101.5 mm x 90 mm x 53.4 mm
Accessories available: Cuvette holders, reflectance probes, optical fiber patchcords, light sources.
Measurement modes: Transmission, reflection, absorption.
Special features: Compact design; Pro version also includes color measurement and concentration calculation; software development kits available to allow for integration into customer applications.
Software available: Specsoft PC-based user interface software for Windows Vista/XP supplied; built-in transmission, reflectance, and absorption measurement; datalogging and data log review; common USB interface enables operation with other manufacturers' equipment.
Suggested applications: Food, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, plastic, chemical analysis and identification, process automation.
Primary benefits: Small footprint for ease of use in laboratory or integration into products.
Unique features: 512-pixel CCD; up to 300 Hz update rate to the PC.
Prediktor
Product name: Spektron Feed
- Reflection-mode process NIR spectrometer.
Design features: Wireless abilities, sample holders.
Accessories: Integrated sampler, Spektron eConnect for communication with process equipment.
Special features: Equation transfer between instruments, fast replacement of instrument using existing calibration models, WEB access, communication with OPC standard for communication with process equipment.
Software: In-house real-time software designed for industrial applications; software is also available as separate product.
Suggested applications: Online feed monitoring, online monitoring of food products.
Primary benefits: Online NIR achieved with instrument standardization and real-time software; calibration transfer and WEB access for continuous instrument supervision and calibration maintenance.
Unique features: OPC communication for communication with process steering system; WEB access for instrument monitoring and calibration transfer.
Spectral Products
Product name: SM301-FCM Infrared (1.0–5.5 µm) Lab and Process Transmission-mode spectrometer
Portable: 272 mm x 152 mm x 152 mm.
Special features: 256-element lead sulfide (PbS) detector array to generate spectra in the 1.0–3.0 µm wavelength region; after initial calibration, which typically takes less than 1 min, data for all 256 wavelengths is generated simultaneously and continuously; thermoelectrically cooled detector array; tungsten halogen lamp light source that is stable after a 10-min power-on warm-up period; no moving parts; electronics are built into an aluminum case; weighs less than 20 lb, so portable for remote and industrial process control applications.
Software: Windows-based analysis software through a USB interface; software includes options such as saving data for analysis by chemometric software.
Suggested applications: liquids and solids such as alcohol, water, acetone, nitrogen, potassium, and various materials such as plastics.
Primary benefits: No moving parts with data available minutes after power-on.
Unity Scientific, LLC
Product name: SpectraStar RTW
- Used for NIR reflection laboratory analysis.
Special features: Ability to transfer databases from any brand NIR instrument through use of TransStar software and be able to continue expansion of database.
Software: InfoStar.
Primary benefits: Ability to transfer existing database to model system within minutes; built-in monitor and computer, suitable for the laboratory and rugged enough for at-line analysis.
Unique features: Three models that range from 680 nm to 2500 nm in range; RTW top window model can accept a variety of sample cups including the customer's existing cups from previous instruments, petri dishes, beakers, and bags.
Wilks Enterprise, Inc.
Product name: InfraCal Ethanol Blend Analyzer
- For laboratory and process NIR and ATR analysis.
Portable: 6.5 in. x 6.5 in. x 5 in. (165 mm x 165 mm x 127 mm).
Special features: Portable, battery powered.
Suggested applications: Ethanol in gasoline for fuel terminal managers, state weights and measures agencies, tax enforcement agencies, fuel distributors, and blenders.
Unique features: Simple operation, analysis in 30 s, rugged, and portable.
NMR
Bruker Biospin
Product name: Avance NMR spectrometer
Design features: The system is available from 300 to 900 MHz, supporting NMR applications for solid and liquid samples, MRI, and hyphenated techniques such as LC–NMR–MS.
Suggested applications: Protein research, organic synthesis, biomedical applications.
RAMAN
Includes instruments intended to measure Raman scattering. Note that some Raman spectrometers may be capable of measuring fluorescence also, since the differences are in the physics more than in the measurement method. The differences in the physics generally put much more stringent requirements on the Raman measurement, however.
BaySpec, Inc.
Product name: TRicorder-1 Raman (785 nm or 1064 nm) handheld spectrometer
- For laboratory and process applications.
Portable: 110 x 190 x 54 mm.
Design features: Deep-cooled detectors, VPG-grating enhanced fiber lasers, high-efficiency Volume Phase Gratings (VPG), F/2 optical design, Bluetooth wireless access, flexible sample interfaces, "Spec 20/20" GUI software. DLL/command sets available upon request.
Accessories: Sample interfaces include direct focus, cuvette holder, fiber-optic adaptor.
Special features: Compact, lightweight, no moving parts, telecom-grade components, fast response time, battery operation, quantitative and qualitative analysis with touch-screen tablet PC; software is 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant.
Suggested applications: In- and at-line processing monitoring of food and beverage, identification of white powders, WMDs, explosives, narcotics and drugs, pesticides, common chemicals, toxic industrial chemicals.
Primary benefits: Repeatability, smaller size and lighter weight, faster response time, qualitative and quantitative analysis, long life and low maintenance.
Unique features: Telecom-grade components.
B&W Tek, Inc.
Product name: innoRam: High Resolution Raman spectrometer system
Design features: Integrated touch-screen computer; high-throughput optical design and deep TE-cooled CCD; spectral resolution of 2 cm-1 ; CleanLaze laser and Raman probe with near-excitation cut-on at 65 cm-1 .
Suggested applications: Raw material inspection, unknown substance identification, anti-counterfeiting techniques, medical diagnostics, polymer development, semiconductor crystallinity, ancient art and fossil analysis, mineral identification, gemstone verification, pharmaceutical tablet verification and anticounterfeiting, identification and classification of bacteria, forensic analysis, hazmat and narcotics identification, sorting plastics in recycling.
Control Development
Product name: Shakti PR-1000 Raman analyzer
Design features: Retro-reflective concentric configuration designed for resolution, photometric accuracy, and improved quantitative analysis across extended spectral ranges; convex, aberration-corrected holographic diffraction grating; high throughput, f/2.4 optics; no moving parts.
Special features: High resolution, wide spectral range, high sensitivity, short integration times, back-thinned 2D CCD, autocalibrating, adjustable spot size, adjustable working distance, focusing not required, large sample volume, noninvasive, nondestructive (low to no sample heating), fiber coupled, narrow line-width, stable excitation source.
Suggested applications: Raw material identification, coating content, polymorph screening, amorphous content determination, process-induced transformation tracking, measurement of drug concentrations in dissolution medium, quantitation of solid phase transformations in situ, determination of hydration mechanisms in situ, analysis of solid phase transformations during fluidized bed drying.
InPhotonics, Inc.
Product name: Imaging fiber-optic Raman probe
- For laboratory, process, and handheld Raman analysis.
Portable: 4.4 in. x 3.3 in. x 1.6 in.
Accessories available: Microscope stand.
Special features: USB-powered internal video camera, microscope stand for positioning the imaging probe over the sample, compatible with other manufacturers' equipment.
Suggested applications: Biomedical tissue analysis, gem inclusion analysis, forensic evidence analysis, artwork analysis.
Primary benefits: Allows visualization of where on the sample the Raman excitation beam is illuminating and allows both a picture of the sample with illuminated spot and resulting Raman spectrum to be stored to computer memory.
Unique features: Field of view 0.1 in. x 0.1 in., diameter of laser spot size in field of view 10 mil (250 µm).
Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc.
Product name: RAMANRXN2 HYBRID Raman analyzer
- Used for laboratory or process analysis.
Accessories: MMR probe for laboratory measurements; the Pilot-E process probe for pilot-scale measurements from 100 to 10,000 gal; both insertion and noncontact sampling options are available for the PhAT probe heads; a special probe interface is available for in situ tablet coating applications.
Measurement mode: Transmission.
Special features: Optional ergonomic trolley available including built-in probe and optic storage, a routine-analysis sample compartment, fiber storage, and the analyzer control system. The analyzer is capable of self-calibration in extreme environments and utilizes self-diagnostics and spectral correction methods when system calibration is unnecessary.
Software: iC Raman V3.0 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant, data acquisition software is also available as a separate product and may also be used with other equipment.
Suggested applications: In situ reaction monitoring, reaction pathway understanding, yield optimization, API development, crystallization–form identification, Grignard reagent monitoring, heterogeneous matrices, hydrogenations, bioprocesses, residual monomer analysis, polymerization, substitution–isomerization, organometallic chemistry, sensitive to organics and inorganics, applicable to water-based chemistries.
Primary benefits: Versatility — provides the capability of several Raman analyzers in a single system; capable of being a transportable raw materials identification analyzer, a benchtop analyzer for methods development in the laboratory, reaction monitoring in the pilot plant, process control development in a manufacturing environment, or a dedicated quality control analyzer.
Unique features: Millimeter to micron sampling versatility is accomplished by coupling the analyzer with either the MR Probe or the PhAT probe heads for noncontact or direct insertion sampling.
Pembroke Instruments, LLC
Product name: NIR Raman system
Design features: Based on BaySpec's Nunavut series NIR long wave Raman spectral engines; fiber-optic input or slit optics arrangement based on customer preferences; raw data and processed data are available to the host; real-time spectral data acquisition with millisecond response time; VPG and f/1.8 design; covers wavelength ranges from 785 to 1080 nm (up to 3200 cm-1 ); specifically designed for 785-nm excitation laser for reduced fluorescence interferences on biological samples; 785-nm fiber laser up to 800 mW or 1064-nm fiber laser up to 400 mW; deep-cooled camera for low light detection; coaxial small form factor Raman probe with internal filters and coatings; turn-key operation; integrated camera, spectrograph, laser, probe, and software.
Suggested applications: Biological samples, tissue samples, skin, other surface analysis, raw material identification, gemstone analysis, process control, biological samples, tissue samples, skin and other surface analysis, replacement of FT Raman spectrometers.
PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc.
Product name: Raman IdentiCheck portable Raman system
Suggested applications: Laboratory-based or field-based forensic analysis, homeland security, laboratory or warehouse, QA–QC analysis, in-situ conservation analysis, analysis of samples in specialist enclosures such as fume-cupboards, laboratory or in-field geological analysis, any field-based material identification analysis such as chemical spillage or environmental analysis.
Design features: Raman platform supports both bulk analysis and microscopic imaging; designed for minimal operation intervention, high throughput, and reproducibility.
Real-Time Analyzers
Product name: RamanID
- Used for laboratory, process, and field Raman analysis.
Design features: Interferometer is designed for resolution and stability in a field-portable unit; wireless operation and data acquisition capabilities are included; portable but not for handheld use; weighs approximately 27 lb.
Special features: Portable and battery-powered; will operate up to 6 h without a line voltage supply; accepts a variety of fiber-optic probes or standard vial sample holders.
Software available: Raman Vista Suite for RamanID and RamanPro.
Suggested applications: Field identification and quantitation of a wide variety of compounds and formats, including biomedical, biotechnology, chemical agent detection, drug development, forensics, petrochemical analysis, polymer cure analysis, process control, quality assurance, quality control, reaction–process monitoring, research and development, raw material identification.
Primary benefits: FT-Raman using a 1064-nm Raman laser; can operate in the field but still provides research-grade results; provides high fluorescence avoidance and a stable x-axis for creation and matching of spectra to user-created and commercial li braries; the unit's design enables the development of rugged and transferable chemometric models for the determination of physical and chemical properties associated with a variety of sample types.
Renishaw plc
Product name: StreamLine Plus
- Laboratory Raman reflection analyzer.
Special design features: Can be set up as a tandem system with SEM, AFM, FTIR, and CLSM; fast Raman imaging system; compatible with SEMs and AFMs.
Suggested applications: Forensic science, life sciences, materials science, environmental applications, art and heritage, geology, and archaeology.
Primary benefits: Fast Raman imaging of macro and micro areas; fully scaleable spatial resolution from macro areas to the diffraction limit; software support for image visualization and chemometrics; intuitive setup of experiments via image montage and the ability to "queue" experiments.
Unique features: Uses a laser line to minimize damage to laser-sensitive samples; supports multiple laser wavelengths with fully automatic switching between excitation sources.
SOFTWARE
Most instruments these days require some software, at least internally. Many of them also require an external computer to collect the data and do more extensive processing on the data than the instrument alone can do. The software products in this section comprise third-party software packages, as well as data analysis packages developed by an instrument manufacturer, who makes it available to other users. This section also includes some miscellaneous products classifiable as "soft" products, such as compendia of spectra and useful databases.
Advanced Chemistry Development www.acdlabs.com
Product name: ACD/UV-IR Manager
- Used for laboratory analysis.
- Software available as separate product: ACD/UV-IR Processor provides processing functions without database module.
Design features: 21CFR11 compliant, may be used in other equipment.
Suggested applications: ACD/UV-IR Manager provides centralized capabilities to process, analyze, interpret, report, and manage optical-like spectra in a continuous range from 1 cm-1 to 100,000 cm-1 .
Primary benefits: Simplifies laboratory projects management by providing universal point of access, processing, and reporting for
different instrument vendor data source and types.
Unique features: SIMPLISMA multivariate curve resolution is included to help with mixture analyses.
Axiom: Symbion Systems, Inc.
Product name: Symbion-DX Version 2.1
Design features: 21CFR11 compliant, universal laboratory and process analytical software; provides connectivity to most spectrometers, chemometrics packages, math routines, I/O protocols, DCS, historians, and enterprise data systems; provides comprehensive control of diverse instruments; used with other equipment such as infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), atomic, UV–vis, Raman for laboratory and process applications.
Suggested applications: Laboratory and process analysis using molecular spectroscopy.
BioRad Laboratories
Products: Spectral databases
- For UV, visible, infrared, NMR, Raman, MS.
Buchi Corporation
Product name: Software for NIRFlex N-500 (FT-NIR) available as separate product
- For NIR laboratory and process analysis.
Design features: 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant; software can be used in other equipment for chemometric modeling.
Suggested applications: Both quantitative (MLR, PCR, PLS) and qualitative (PCA Cluster, SIMCA, and various wavelength-based "distance" methods) for identification are supported in Buchi's chemometric software; precalibrations are available for raw material identification for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical materials, as well as for quantitative predictions for relevant parameters of food and feed materials.
Unique features: calibration optimization "wizard" for both ID and Quant models.
Infometrix, Inc.
Product name: InStep version 3.0 revision 2
- Used for laboratory and process analysis.
Design features: 21CFR11 compliant, cGMP compliant; available as separate product; can be used in other equipment; Windows PC only; reads many different spectroscopy file formats.
Suggested applications: Automated interpretations of online multivariate measurements or the automation of routine laboratory analysis; monitoring automated processes.
Primary benefits: Runs independently from its parent modeling program Pirouette, which eliminates the potential for at-line changes of chemometric models by untrained personnel.
Unique features: Easily programmable and a decision tree approach to problem solving and intelligent reporting.
Malvern Instruments
Product name: ISys 5.0 Complete, 64-bit Edition
- Used for laboratory analysis of image data.
Suggested applications: Raman, NIR and FTIR spectroscopy, especially spectroscopic imaging approaches; analysis of spectral maps and images, from preprocessing to chemical segmentation, to morphological characterization of chemically differentiated species and to automated transfer of chemical and morphological information into external spreadsheets.
Special features: With ISys, decisions are based on statistics, not pictures; the software is available as a separate product, is 21CFR11 compliant and cGMP compliant, and is compatible with other manufacturers' equipment Chemical imaging of intermediate as well as finished manufactured products is a powerful means to characterize materials and processes sufficiently to be able to predict performance factors as a function of changing process conditions or to troubleshoot problems. To make these important decisions, images must be processed into statistical descriptors of the situation. Examples include measuring the size distribution of ingredient agglomerates using particle statistics to understand blend uniformity; isolating agglomerates of different ingredients and measuring their proximity to characterize preferential co-localization; measuring chemical composition, components spatial distribution, and size and shape parameters of individual or hundreds of granules to understand drug release profiles in pharmaceutical granules; and measuring moisture gradients and moisture migration in stability studies.
Primary benefits: The software is a perfect example of the class of applications 64-bit PC processors and the 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows were specifically designed to execute with far greater capacities. How significant is the difference? Compared to Windows 32-bit, which tops out at around 3 GB of memory, Windows 64-bit edition currently supports up to 128 GB of RAM. With much greater addressable memory, you get more chemical imaging done in less time. The software can handle extremely large spectroscopic maps and images (~3.8 GB image file on standard PC) and extremely large concatenated images, enabling data processing to be performed in a single step for all data sets concatenated into a single mosaic image. Concatenating images also ensure that the results are displayed with consistent color scaling for visual comparison. The software enables import of MIR, NIR, and Raman imaging and mapping data files, spectral and spatial preprocessing, advanced chemometrics, data visualization tools, and quantitative spectral and image analysis.
Unique features: No programming is required; data processing algorithms are optimized for spectroscopic imaging; users can import filters for third-party mid-IR and Raman image files (.spa, .spc, .map, .fsm, ENVI, .tsf, .tvf, .ngs, .ngc, .wxd, .asc, .tif, .rpl, .spd, .bip, .bsq, .bil, .wdr, .mat, .jpg, .gif); optional import filter for third-party NIR image files.
S.T. Japan, Inc.
Product name: Raman database
- Used for all Raman instruments: Laboratory, process, handheld.
- Spectral database expanded to 7690 spectra.
- Available for use with most Raman spectrometers.
Design features: The database includes the Raman spectra of a broad range of high purity samples as well as spectra of polymers, packaging materials, and plasticizers. Most of the spectra were measured using a laser excitation wavelength of 488 nm. Most of the remainder were measured at 532 nm. The data are available at either 2 or 4 cm-1 resolution. Subsets by product and chemical classifications are also available. The libraries are made available in a variety of spectral search formats. The spectra have been reviewed and evaluated.
Unique features: Largest commercially available Raman database.
Symbion Systems, Inc.
Product name: Symbion-DX Version 2.1
Special design features: 21CFR11 compliant, universal laboratory, and process analytical software; provides connectivity to most spectrometers, chemometrics packages, math routines, I/O protocols, DCS, historians, enterprise data systems; provides comprehensive control of diverse instruments; used with other equipment, including infrared (far, near, mid, terahertz), atomic, UV–vis, Raman for laboratory and process applications.
Suggested applications: Laboratory and process analysis using molecular spectroscopy.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product name: OMNIC Specta software for Raman applications
- Used for laboratory and process analysis, in all wavelength ranges and with all sampling modes.
Design features: The software is available for all new Thermo Scientific FT-IR and Raman instruments and is available as an upgrade on selected Thermo Scientific FT-IR and Raman instruments; compatible with OMNIC Suite of spectroscopy software; designed to improve the quality and ease of gathering sample information contained in Raman spectral data; includes enhanced data presentation features for multicomponent searching transforms; automatically indexes all spectral information on a user's system; automatically separates components in mixtures.
Primary benefits: Automatic data organization, streamlined analysis, and mixture identification enable nonspectroscopists to use infrared and Raman analysis; eliminates search-and-subtract iterations.
Suggested applications: Quality control, raw materials identification, failure analysis, forensics, product deformulation, research and development, TG-IR, GC–IR, infrared and Raman microscopy, forensic science, pharmaceutical, polymer and research laboratories.
Special features: Multicomponent search function enables analysts to identify unique compounds in complex mixtures without resorting to spectral subtractions or manipulation; contaminant search function enables rapid identification of unexpected components in materials without subtractions or manipulation; data indexing function provides immediate access to all spectral data, eliminating the need to build libraries; all historical data is maintained.
WITec GmbH
Product name: WITec Project Plus data evaluation software for Raman spectroscopy
Design features: Spectral and microscopic data evaluation software available as special product.
Suggested applications: Chemometric data evaluation and advanced microscopic data analysis.
Primary benefits: One single software environment from one source for various microscopic techniques, measurement modes, and microscope models.
Unique features: Designed for high resolution chemical, structural, and optical imaging; modular architecture; intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface; supports the workflow for microscopic experiments; features various tools for multivariate data analysis in the fields of confocal Raman imaging and scanning probe microscopy, such as cluster analysis or principal component analysis; can be obtained as an add-on software package for the WITec Project data evaluation software.
UV–Vis
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Product name: Agilent 8453 UV–vis spectrophotometer
Designed for routine and occasional users.
Design features: Wavelength range of 190–1100 nm with a resolution of better than 2 nm and less than 0.03% stray light is standard; direct access to the cell holder and cells; built-in buttons at the front for triggering measurements; ceramic spectrograph manufactured under license from Carl Zeiss provides wavelength reproducibility; low-noise electronics provide high photometric accuracy; accessories include Agilent's multicell transport, Peltier thermostatted cell holder, sipper system, and auto-sampler, Gilson autosamplers, Labsphere diffuse reflectance accessories, fiber optics couplers from Custom Sensors & Technology; GLP built-in — serial and firmware revision number held in firmware, self-test procedures for lamp intensity, wavelength accuracy, and noise to ensure consistent performance; built-in log book carries the results of self-tests, notes on instrument maintenance and lamp timers; prealigned deuterium and tungsten lamp light sources; firmware upgrades supported via built-in communication interfaces.
Suggested applications: Total protein content, very-low volume samples, screening environmental samples.
C Technologies, Inc.
Product name: SoloVPE 200–1100nm UV–vis analyzer
Used for laboratory analysis.
Design features: Takes advantage of the pathlength variable within Beer's Law to determine concentration by varying the measurement pathlength between 0.010 mm and 15 mm in steps of 0.005 mm; enables the use of the slope spectroscopy technique.
Accessories: Flow cell designed for flow applications.
Measurement modes: Absorbance, transmission, slope.
Special features: Capable of rapid determinations of slope values for use in slope spectroscopy methods;
Software: 21CFR11 compliance, cGMP compliance, compatible with Varian Inc. compliance methodology; IQOQPQ available for compliant installation.
Design features: Integrates with the Varian Cary 50 spectrophotometer.
Suggested applications: Any applications where a dilution is necessary to obtain absorbance readings such as highly concentrated proteins or dyes, samples with multiple absorbance peaks measurable only with different pathlengths, and for rapid characterization of new and unknown compounds.
Primary benefits: Dilutions are not required; measurements from 0.010 mm to 15 mm pathlengths are possible with 0.005-mm steps; will identify and take measurements within linear range of Beer's Law for a given sample; eliminates the need for background correction in many applications; enables measurement banding; acquires absorbance data–spectra at different pathlengths and wavelengths combinations with one setup, one sample, one run, sample surveying to characterize the spectra of unknown or new samples at various wavelengths and pathlengths.
Unique features: Computer controlled, dynamic, high resolution pathlength control, enables slope spectroscopy techniques, automated Quick Slope concentration determination, no dilutions required, banding.
Hitachi High Technologies America
Product name: U-2900 UV–vis–NIR double-beam spectrophotometer
Used for applications ranging from routing to research.
Design features: 10.4-in. color LCD; PC-control-only model, the U-2910, is also available; the U-2900/U-2910 models offer memory stick compatibility and large data storage
capabilities.
Optional accessories: 50-, 25-, and 5-µL microvolume cells.
Suggested applications: Microquantities of DNA, biotechnological applications.
JASCO
Product name: V-670 UV–vis spectrometer
Special design features: Dual-grating, dual detectors.
Suggested applications: Life sciences, quantitation, materials analysis.
Nippon Instruments North America
Product name: Model RA-3420F Gold Mercury analyzer
Other description: Atomic fluorescence.
Other special features: Full automation for EPA 1631E including sample preparation and analysis.
Suggested application: EPA Method 1631E for wastewaters.
Primary benefits: Complete automation and simple operation.
Unique features: Designed for analysis according to EPA 1631E.
Pembroke Instruments, LLC
Product name: Avaspec series UV–vis spectrometers
Design features: 0.04–0.6 nm resolution; some models include NIR capability.
Suggested applications: Chemical sensing and process monitoring, spectral radiometry, biotechnology, chemical analysis, thermal imaging.
Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. / RKI Instruments, Inc.
Product name: Surface Analyzer, Model AC-2, Photoelectron spectrometer
Used for laboratory and process measurements of surfaces by UV–vis spectroscopy from openair ionization.
Portable: Two modules — a light source module, the model AC2LC1, measures 600 mm (w) x 450 mm (d) x 310 mm (h) ; a measuring module, the model AC2DC1, measures 600 mm (w) x 450 mm (d) x 360 mm (h).
Accessories needed: A personal computer with display is needed along with an air compressor.
Measurement mode: Photoelectron emission.
Special features: Openair photoelectron spectrometer; proprietary software for PC is included.
Suggested applications: Measures the ionization potential and work function of surfaces in air; organic light-emitting diode and solar cell material research applications.
Primary benefits: Fast measurement of materials in "open air" as the need for a vacuum chamber is eliminated.
Unique features: Easy to operate, versatile, fast measurements (taken in air).
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.
Product name: BioSpec nano UV–vis spectrophotometer
Used for laboratory analysis.
Design features: Requires only 1 µL (pathlength: 0.2 mm) or 2 µL (pathlength: 0.7 mm) of sample; sample mounting, measurement, and cleaning are conducted by the instrument; measurement time = 3 s.
Suggested applications: Genomics, molecular biology, agriculture, medical science, food quality, and life sciences, specifically nucleic acid quantitation.
Primary benefits: Easy operation with automated functions; easy maintenance; ultrasmall sample volumes.
Unique features: Drop-and-click analysis — the user drops the sample onto the target and clicks the button; the instrument performs sample mounting, measurement, and wiping.
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Products
Product name: Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000/2000c spectrophotometers.
Used for laboratory applications.
Portable: 14 x 20 cm.
Measurement mode: Absorbance.
Special features: Sample retention system allows for microvolume sample to be directly pipetted on a measurement surface; 2000c model combines microvolume pedestal technology and cuvette capability onto one platform; Windows XP and Vista (32 bit) compatible software comes with instrument.
Suggested applications: Drug discovery, genomics, proteomics, and molecular diagnostics; assesses purity and quantifies proteins and nucleic acids.
Primary benefits: Micro-volume sample capability (as low as 0.5 µL); measurement time of less than 5 s; clean-up using laboratory wipe on pedestal; software is capable of creating custom methods.
Unique features: Combines pedestal technology and cuvette capability; broad concentration range capability; compact instrument with very small footprint.
X-RAY
X-rays encompass those wavelengths from 1 to 1000 å (0.1–100 nm). X-ray fluorescence and diffraction are the basis for analytical measurements.
Bruker AXS
Product name: TRACERturboSD handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument
Design features: Handheld XRF instrument uses a silicon drift detector.
Suggested applications: Metals — light element, positive material identification (PMI), scrap sorting, QA–QC, aerospace and super alloys, art and conservation, aerospace.
EDAX, Inc.
Product name: Orbis Micro-XRF spectrometer
Design features: Motorized turret; primary beam filters can be used with X-ray optics for tailored micro to millimeter spot elemental analyses; measurements are nondestructive and require minimal sample preparation; improved sensitivity for many elements in comparison to SEM/EDS; inclusion and coating thickness analysis with the penetrating power of X-rays, and analysis of wet samples.
Special features: Table-top unit with easy-to-use analysis software; users can make elemental analyses on small samples such as particles, fragments and inclusions, or conduct automated multipoint and elemental imaging analysis on larger samples.
Applications: Criminal forensics, industrial forensics and quality control, nondestructive materials testing, RoHS/WEEE compliance, layer thickness and composition analysis, geologic composition, elemental imaging.
Innov-X Systems, Inc. / inXitu Inc.
Product name: Innov-X Terra: First place award winner of Editor's Gold competition for most innovative product at Pittcon 2009.
Used for field-portable simultaneous X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction measurements.
Primary benefits: Can be configured with features needed to acquire and analyze diffraction data in a rugged compact case; sample handling system minimizes sample preparation time and provides peak identification accuracy comparable to laboratory-based systems.
Design features: Portable XRD system designed specifically for rock and mineral analysis; XRD data from Terra can be readily analyzed using the software of a laboratory XRD instrument, or third party applications like Jade (MDI), XPowder, Match!, (Crystal Impact), or CrystalSleuth (Univ. of Arizona); identification of phases also requires the use of a library such as the ICDD Powder Diffraction Files or the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Databases.
Recommended applications: Accurate identification of minerals, phase identification.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.
Product name: EDX-GP energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
Suggested applications: RoHS/ELV screening, thin-film analysis.
Special features: Special filters, automatic filter selection, high count-rate circuit, large sample chamber.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, Inc.
Product name: SPECTRO xSORT EDXRF spectrometer
Used for portable and handheld operations.
Accessories: Sample stand.
Special features: System is handheld XRF unit weighing 3.2 lb; battery powered with PDA; nondestructively analyzes the content of all important elements between sulfur and uranium contained in samples.
Suggested applications: Alloy sorting, soil analysis, precious metals and jewelry, RoHS testing, lead in toys.
Primary benefits: Designed for operator safety; various safety features ensure the operator is not exposed to any radiation while testing.
Unique features: Sample stand enables safe testing of small objects; measures irregularly shaped items such as rings or wires.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product name: Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t GOLD handheld analyzer for X-ray fluorescence
Portable: Weight < 3.0 lb (< 1.3 kg); dimensions: 244 x 230 x 95.5 mm.
Special features: Portability, equation transfer, battery powered.
Suggested applications: Composition analysis and grade verification of metal alloys, including tramp and trace element analysis; mining exploration and mapping; identify anomalies at or below the averages naturally found in the earth's crust; detection of soil contaminants; screening toys, electronics, and consumer goods for prohibited substances.
Primary benefits: Delivers improvements in light element detection, overall sensitivity, and measurement times (10 times faster than conventional Si-PIN detectors); up to three times more precise than conventional smaller, silicon drift detectors.
Unique features: Light element detection (Mg, Al, Si, P, S) without helium or vacuum purging; high count rate for lower detection limits and faster analysis; designed for laboratory quality performance in a handheld instrument.
Howard Mark is co-author of Spectroscopy's "Chemometrics In Spectroscopy" column. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and runs a consulting service, Mark Electronics (Suffern, NY).
Companies Mentioned in This Article
A2 Technologies www.a2technologies.com
Advanced Chemistry Development www.acdlabs.com
Agilent Technologies, Inc. www.home.agilent.com
Ahura Scientific www.ahurascientific.com
Alpes Lasers SA www.boselec.com
Analytik Jena www.labsynergy.com
Avian Technologies LLC www.aviantechnologies.com
Axiom: Symbion Systems, Inc. www.gosymbion.com
Axiom Analytical, Inc. www.goaxiom.com
B&W Tek, Inc. www.bwtek.com
BaySpec, Inc. www.bayspec.com
BHK, Inc. www.bhkinc.com
BioRad Laboratories www.bio-rad.com
Bruker www.bruker.com
Buchi Corporation www.mybuchi.com
Bruins Instruments USA www.bruinsinstruments.com
C Technologies, Inc. www.solovpe.com
ChemImage Corp. www.chemimage.com
Control Development www.controldevelopment.com
Daylight Solutions www.daylightsolutions.com
Eclipse Technologies, Inc. www.eclipsetechnologiesinc.com
EDAX, Inc. www.edax.com
EMCO High Voltage Corporation www.emcohighvoltage.com
FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. www.foss-nirsystems.com
GE Security www.gesecurity.com or www.streetlabmobile.com
Glass Expansion www.geicp.com
Harrick Scientific Products, Inc. www.harricksci.com
Hitachi High Technologies America www.hitachi-hta.com
InPhotonics, Inc. www.inphotonics.com
Infometrix, Inc. www.infometrix.com
Innov-X Systems, Inc./inXitu, Inc. www.innov-xsys.com or www.inxitu.com
JASCO www.jascoinc.com
Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc. www.kosi.com
Katanax, Inc. www.katanax.com
KLASTECH-Karpushko Laser Technologies GmbH www.klastech.de
Malvern Instruments www.malvern.com
Mercury Instruments USA www.mercury-instrumentsusa.com
MIDAC Corp. www.midac.com
Middleton Research www.middletonresearch.com
Milestone, Inc. www.milestonesci.com
MOXTEK, Inc. www.moxtek.com
Nanoliter, LLC www.nanoliter.com
NIR Technology Systems www.nirtech.net
Nippon Instruments North America www.hg-nic.us
Ocean Optics www.OceanOptics.com
OI Analytical www.oico.com
Pembroke Instruments, LLC www.PembrokeInstruments.com
Picarro, Inc. www.picarro.com
PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc. www.perkinelmer.com
Photon Control, Inc. www.photon-control.com
PIKE Technologies www.piketech.com
Prediktor www.prediktor.no
Princeton Instruments www.princetoninstruments.com
Rare Light, Inc. www.rarelight.com
Real-Time Analyzers www.rta.biz
Renishaw plc www.renishaw.com
Resonon, Inc. www.resonon.com
Retsch GmbH www.retsch.com
Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. / RKI Instruments, Inc.
SE International www.seintl.com
Semrock, Inc. www.semrock.com
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. www.ssi.shimadzu.com
Sierra Instruments www.sierrainstruments.com
Spectral Products www.spectralproducts.com
Spectro, Inc. www.spectroinc.com
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, Inc. www.spectro.com
SPEX CertiPrep www.spexcsp.com
S.T. Japan, Inc. www.stjapan-usa.com
Symbion Systems, Inc. www.gosymbion.com
Teledyne Leeman Labs www.leemanlabs.com
Teraview Ltd. www.teraview.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific www.thermo.com
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Products www.nanodrop.com
Unity Scientific, LLC www.unityscientific.com
Waters Corporation www.waters.com
Wilks Enterprise, Inc. www.wilksir.com
WITec GmbH www.witec.com
