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High Throughput, High-Density, Multi-Track Imaging Spectrograph
Andor Technology announced the launch of its new spectroscopy detection solutions based on the high-throughput imaging Holospec spectrograph. The Volume Phase Holographic (VPH) grating-based Holospec offers up to seven times better collection power than traditional 1/3rd m Czerny–Turner spectrograph with superb high-density, multi-track spectroscopy properties. This enables superior photon collection efficiency when combined with Andor ultrasensitive detectors, e.g. Andor's iDus 416 Low Dark Current Deep-Depletion (LDC-DD) CCD and single photon-sensitive Newton EMCCD series. The Andor Holospec is the ideal solution for collecting more light and achieving better signal-to-noise ratio faster. This is critical for applications such as weak nanostructure photoluminescence, micro-Raman mapping (including TERS), spectrally assisted microfluidics, real-time medical diagnosis, standoff chemical detection, and on-line process control. Its rugged and compact design makes the Holospec an ideal tool for challenging industrial or in-the-field applications, while still offering research-grade performance suitable for academic research. Andor Technology, 7 Millennium Way, Springvale Business Park, Belfast, BT127A1, Northern Ireland, Ph: +44 28 9023 7126, www.andor.com.
Spectral Test Station for Soft X-ray and Extreme Ultraviolet Applications
McPherson introduced a soft X-ray (SXR) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectral test station. The new McPherson 310STS has efficient grazing incidence optics with light sources that work between one and 120 nanometers. Sources include electron impact solid anode type for SXR and win-dowless hollow cathode for lower EUV energies. The sources fit conveniently to the scanning entrance slit of a one-meter focal length grazing incidence monochromator. The monochromator has adjustable apertures, accepts multiple diffraction gratings and has a PC-controlled motor drive for simple wavelength selection. The selected wavelength travels directly to devices under test. Connection to your experiment or to telescope calibration chambers (for example) is simple. Sample motion is required only as analysis requires. The 310STS tunable source system is flexible enough for a wide range of analytical research activities: spatial response of X-ray cameras testing, detector calibration, spectrally test photo cathodes. Thin film reflectance, filter transmittance, and absorbance are also possible. The new 310STS is useful for both integration to existing experimental test chambers or as a complete system with McPherson sample handling or chambers. It is a compact, robust and flexible system for SXR and EUV spectrophotometry. As an instrument that works in your laboratory, the 310STS provides ready access and schedule too. McPherson, Inc., 7A Stuart Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824-4107, Ph: 978-256-4512, www.McPhersonlnc.com.
New Miniature 8-band Color Sensor Enables Handheld OEM Devices
PIXELTEQ has released its PixelSensor™ 8-band multispectral photodiode array, packing eight wavelength-selective photodiodes into a compact 9 mm square sensor. PixelSensor enables multispectral sensing at a smaller scale by integrating spectral filters at the sensor level, simplifying optical designs and reducing device integration costs. The PixelSensor photodiode splits the visible spectrum into eight discrete color bands. Its standard 20-pin LCC package can be surface or socket mounted. Common cathode operation provides low noise and fast response time. Customized OEM versions of PixelSensor are also available with user-defined spectral bands. Using PIXELTEQ's exclusive micro-patterned optical filter technology, narrow-band filters deliver improved sensitivity and contrast for multispectral applications from portable color monitors to industrial and scientific instruments. PIXELTEQ provides micro-patterned spectral filters, sensors, and cameras—helping users shrink multiwavelength devices into a single package, enable new optical features, and deliver application-specific sensors and cameras. PIXELTEQ, 16080 Table Mountain Parkway, Golden, CO 80403, Ph: 303-273-9700, www.pixelteq.com.
New ICP-OES
Teledyne Leeman Labs has taken a radically different approach with the Prodigy7. Through years of effort, our team of highly specialized engineers and application chemists have produced an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES) instrument in which superior analytical performance does not have to be traded off for any reason, including price. And while the Prodigy7 offers all of the advanced capabilities some laboratories require, none of them have to be purchased up front if not needed—they can be easily added later if needs change. The Prodigy7 is the synthesis of advanced technology and user simplicity. The summation of years of refinement, the Prodigy7 has distinct advantages over other ICPs: Large format, advanced CMOS Array Detector for true simultaneous measurement; full wavelength coverage from 135 nm–1100 nm (with halogen detector option); 500 mm, low stray light optics; and full spectral access (FSA) captures the entire wavelength spectrum in a single reading. The Prodigy7 is available in Axial, Radial, and Dual-View configurations, has a Twist-n-Lock, Auto-Aligning Sample Introduction System, and is designed for fast system startup and reduced gas consumption. Teledyne Leeman Labs, 6 Wentworth Drive, Hudson, NH 03051, Ph: 603-886-8400, www.teledyneleemanlabs.com.
Highspeed Annealing and Sterilization Without Gas Flame
The SteriMax Smart from WLD-TEC is ideal for all laboratories, anaerobic environments, and safety cabinets. This innovative sterilizer uses specifically focused infrared light which generates an IR hotspot for sterilizing inoculating loops at a temperature of 650 to 1100 °C in only 5 to 10 seconds immediately and without any preheating. Features Include: Instantly ready to work without any warm-up; auto-start through touchless IR-Sensor technology; and adjustable sterilization and cool-down timers for two users by front panel operation. The SteriMax has an Annealing tube made of special quartz glass or optional wear-resistant ceramics, and Cool -Touch housing made of stainless steel and safety glass. WLD-TEC, Spandauer Weg 1, D-37085 Göttingen, Germany, Ph: +49 (0) 551 793789, www.wld-tec.com.
New Retractable Diffuse Reflectance Probe for NIR Development and Process Analysis
Axiom Analytical, Inc. has announced the availability of its FDR-798 near-IR, manually retractable diffuse reflectance probe. The new probe is designed for the contact analysis of optically scattering materials such as pharmaceutical powders, polymers, and food products. It is provided with an integral hand operated retraction mechanism suitable for use with bioreactors and other small reaction vessels. It includes a standard sanitary fitting and a flush chamber to allow periodic cleaning of the probe tip. Key characteristics of the new probe include high collection efficiency, low stray light, robust construction, and excellent chemical resistance. The FDR-798 is the latest member of the company's FDR-700 Series of diffuse reflectance probes which includes the previously announced FDR-755 Extruder Probe and FDR-795 on-line process probe. The FDR-755 is configured for the spectroscopic analysis of materials such as polymers and food products during extrusion. The FDR-795 12.7 mm diameter probe is available in a wide range of lengths and with a choice of process fittings. The use of integral fiber-optic bundles with SMA 905 connectors allows FDR-700 Series probes to be remotely coupled to most near-IR and UV-visible spectrometers for laboratory development and on-line process analysis. Axiom Analytical, Inc., 1451 Edinger Ave, Suite A, Tustin, CA 92780, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.goaxiom.com.
2014 SPIE Prism Finalist Hyperspectral Imager
BaySpec, Inc, is honored to have been selected as a finalist for the 2014 SPIE Prism Award for the new OCI-1000™ Handheld Hyperspectral Imager. The OCI-1000™ was selected in the category of Detectors, Sensing, Imaging, and Cameras. BaySpec's Handheld OCI-1000™ Hyperspectral Imager brings for the first time high performance Hyperspectral imaging in a compact hand-held form factor weighing less than 0.5 lbs. (227g). The OCI-1000™ imager acquires full, continuous VNIR Hyperspectral data with high spectral resolution and excellent sensitivity even in low light conditions. BaySpec has developed a highly-integrated spectral imager that provides a detailed view of the spectrum for every point in an image. By integrating this capability on an image sensor, at the level of the chip itself, we remove the need for expensive, bulky and complex optics that are used as scientific instruments today. The result is a spectral imager with on-board computer and display that is battery operated weighing only 0.5 lbs. It can be installed on miniature UAV drones or conveyor belts in production lines. BaySpec, Inc. 1101 McKay Drive, San Jose, CA 95131, Ph: 408-512-5928, www.bayspec.com.
