Lee Craven, Editor

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Raman SERS AnalysisPackage

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., announcedthe launch of its new DXR/SERS Analysis

Package designed to simplify the Surface-

Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

technique. The Thermo Scientific package

features instrumentation from the DXR

family of Raman spectrometers and offers

the efficiency and precision of SERS along

with a pre-configured sampling method that

facilitates implementation without the need

for specialist expertise. The SERS tech-

nique works to intensify the sensitivity level

of the Raman method, facilitating the

analysis of extremely small, low-concen-

tration samples. This technique results in

improved sensitivity, accuracy, and effi-

ciency in a range of biological and diag-

nostic analyses. The SERS effect functions

when an analyte closely interacts with a

prepared metal surface. When this occurs

the Raman excitation laser generates sur-

face plasmons along the surface of the

metal. As a consequence of the surface

plasmons interacting with the analyte, the

Raman emission is significantly increased.

SERS is an increasingly relevant technique

in the fields of biochemistry, forensics, food

safety, threat detection, and clinical re-

search. Samples that have been examined

using SERS include bacteria on food, trace

evidence from crime scenes, cellular ma-

terials, and blood glucose. The DXR/SERS

Analysis Package is a complete kit for SERS

analysis, integrating the full range of

Thermo Scientific DXR Raman instrumen-

tation, software, sampling accessories,

SERS substrates, and instructions. The

package features a range of proven SERS

substrates, avoiding the problem of time-

consuming and expensive substrate devel-

opment. Additionally, the package offers

precision laser power control to help users

avoid sample damage or detector satura-

tion. Interchangeable lasers can also be

used for substrates that demand different

wavelengths alongside a verification solu-

tion that allows the user to easily check the

validity and performance of substrates.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, 81 WymanStreet, Waltham, MA 02454, Ph: 781-622-1000, www.thermoscientific.com.

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Spectroscopic TransmissionCell for both Laboratory andProcess Applications

Axiom Analytical, Inc. has announced its

LFV-532 Transmission Cell designed spe-

cifically for use with FT-IR (mid infrared)

and FT-NIR (near infrared) spectrometers.

The new cells can be mounted in the

spectrometer sample compartment for lab-

oratory applications or external to the

instrument and optically coupled to it by

means of the Axiot optical transfer system

for spectroscopic process control applica-

tions. The optical path length of the LFV-532

can, in principle, be set in the field.

However, in most cases, it is precisely set

and locked down at Axiom’s facility. The

standard path length range is from 0.5 to 5

mm. In addition to its wide path length

range, the LFV-532 features an unrestricted

flow path, high transmission, and robust

construction. It is compatible with pres-

sures to 50 bar and temperatures to 250 8C.

Although the LFV-532 was initially designed

for the analysis of petroleum products, the

Company anticipates that it will also be

used in a wide variety of chemical and

pharmaceutical process analytical technol-

ogy (PAT) applications. Axiom Analytical,Inc., 1451 Edinger Ave, Suite A, Tustin,CA 92780, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.goaxoim.com.

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Improved Detection forChemical SurfaceCharacterization

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. announcedthe launch of the new version of the Thermo

Scientific K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron

spectrometer (XPS). This fully integrated

surface characterization tool is designed to

meet the demands of surface engineers

whether working in cutting-edge research

and development of new surface chemis-

tries, or dealing with routine characteriza-

tion of surfaces, thin films, and coatings.

The original K-Alpha was designed to offer

scientists and engineers a new XPS solu-

tion by offering unprecedented ease of

operation and a streamlined workflow via

the Thermo Scientific Avantage data sys-

tem. The latest revision of the K-Alpha

platform has those same valued benefits

and in addition features dramatically im-

proved spectroscopic performance, deliv-

ering increased count-rates, faster analysis

times, and improved chemical detection.

Further enhancements include improve-

ments to the unique sample viewing sys-

tem, better automation, and a new glove

box option for handling air-sensitive sam-

ples. The new instrument integrates pre-

mier spectrometer performance with the

latest version of the Thermo Scientific

46A Volume 65, Number 2, 2011

Avantage XPS acquisition and processing

user interface. This combination of instru-

mentation and software combines high

sample throughput with analytical perfor-

mance, essential for tackling the complex

materials characterization needs of today’s

surface analysis applications. The high

level of integration between hardware and

software enables users to calibrate their

instrument with a single button press and

incorporates full traceability of all system

parameters. The AvantageTM Data System

is designed to offer high levels of produc-

tivity via an optimized workflow that guides

analysts through data acquisition, interpre-

tation, processing, and report generation.

Avantage offers full digital tool control

while providing a comprehensive range of

XPS spectrum and image processing rou-

tines. Customized laboratory reporting

templates allow analysis reports to be

easily exported to standard PC applica-

tions, such asMicrosoftW Office, at the click

of a mouse. The new Avantage Indexer (AI)

system allows quick and easy management

of all stored data sets, allowing manage-

ment by element, chemistry, acquisition

date, and other important parameters.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, 81 WymanStreet, Waltham, MA 02454, Ph: 781-622-1000, www.thermoscientific.com.

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Self-Cleaning DiffuseReflectance Probe ProvidesNon-Contact Analysis

Axiom Analytical, Inc. has announced its

fiber-optic-coupled FDR-825 Diffuse Reflec-

tance Probe. Operating in the near-infrared

(NIR) and visible spectral regions, the new

probe has been designed to yield optimum

performance for the analysis of powders,

slurries, and other diffusely reflecting ma-

terials. A unique feature of the new probe is

the provision of a set of orifices around the

circumference of the probe window posi-

tioned so as to allow efficient flushing of the

window by a solvent or dry vapor stream.

The proprietary optical design of the FDR-

825 provides a unique combination of high

sensitivity, low stray light, and large depth

of field and is suitable for use at substantial

distances from the material being ana-

lyzed. Its variable offset feature allows the

optimum sample distances to be set any-

where between 30 and 100mm. The probe’s

integral bifurcated 80 fiber-optic bundle

provides an ideal combination of sensitivity

and economy. The Company anticipates

that the FDR-825 will find application in

fields such as chemical and pharmaceutical

development as well in process analytical

technology (PAT) modeling and scale-up.

Methods developed using the FDR-825 can

be applied on-line in full-scale process

analysis in batch reaction vessels using

the Company’s large-scale diffuse reflec-

tance probes such as its model FDR-1800.

Axiom Analytical, Inc., 1451 Edinger Ave,Suite A, Tustin, CA 92780, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.goaxiom.com.

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DynacalW Permeation Tubes

VICI Metronics’ DynacalW Permeation

Tubes are small, inert capsules containing

a pure chemical compound in a two-phase

equilibrium between its gas phase and its

liquid or solid phase. At a constant temper-

ature, the device emits the compound

through its permeable portion at a constant

rate. Accurate, stable concentrations range

from PPB to high PPM. The purpose of a

calibration gas standard is to establish a

reference point for the verification of an

analysis. Permeation Tube rates can be

certified using standards traceable to NIST

by the most basic and accurate laboratory

procedure: measuring the gravimetric

weight loss over a known period of time at

a known temperature. Permeation rate data

is already established for hundreds of

different compounds, and rates for new

compounds can be easily certified using

NIST-traceable standards. VICI Metronics,Inc., 26272 Twelve Trees, #C, Poulsbo,WA 98370, Ph: 877-737-1887, www.vicimetronics.com.

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2011BUYER’S GUIDE

48A Volume 65, Number 2, 2011

Uniformity Measurement Toolfor Solar Simulation

Oriel announces a new Uniformity Mea-

surement Tool for measuring the uniformity

of irradiance at the sample plane of Solar

Simulators. The new PV tool is equipped

with a single metal test platen, compatible

with English/metric table mounts and with

all three test standards, IEC, ASTM, and

JIS. A detector head is provided with

appropriate masking to the area defined

by either the IEC or the JIS method,

depending on the model. The system is

designed to correctly place the test detector

head in 17 predetermined positions as

defined by JIS standard C8912, or in 64

equally spaced positions, defined by IEC

method 60904-9. Oriel’s Uniformity Mea-

surement Tool assists in alignment to

provide the best uniformity of irradiance

after a lamp installation and/or replace-

ment. Unique models are available for a

variety of Oriel Solar Simulators, including

the 232, 434, 636, and 838 products. The

intuitive MUMS software package provides

2D and 3D surface plots to analyze XYZ

positioning of the lamp to quickly attain

optimal irradiance uniformity. It also pro-

vides 5- and 9-point survey tests for quick

alignment. The USB 2.0 data acquisition

board and system interfaces with a PC,

eliminating the need for an external power

supply. Oriel Instruments, 150 LongBeach Blvd., Stratford, CT 06615, Ph:203-377-8282, www.newport.com/oriel.

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Drivers for Axiom FMXMultiplexers and for EnWaveRaman Spectrometers

Symbion Systems, Inc. announced the

release of its SDI-FMX driver for the Axiom

2011BUYER’S GUIDE

APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 49A

Analytical, Inc., FMX Series of fiber-optic

multiplexers. FMX multiplexers are widely

used in process analytical applications of

near-infrared (NIR) and UV-visible spec-

troscopy for enabling multiple spectroscop-

ic probes or flow cells to be coupled to a

single FT-IR or dispersive spectrometer.

Also released is a driver for the EnWave

Optronics Raman spectrometers. The new

driver integrates all of the functions of the

EnWave instruments into the Symbion-DX

and RX analytical instrument software

suites, providing a comprehensive capabil-

ity for both laboratory development and on-

line chemical process monitoring. Sym-

bion-DX and RX provide standardized plat-

forms for controlling a wide range of

spectrometers and other analytical instru-

ments. In addition, they feature extensive

data manipulation and application develop-

ment capabilities as well as the ability to

communicate with numerous third-party

programs, and enterprise-wide data sys-

tems. In short, Symbion-DX and RX stream-

line the development of comprehensive

analytical methods encompassing instru-

ment and sample system control, data

analysis, process trending, database ar-

chiving, and reporting to enterprise-wide

data systems. Each method is permanently

stored in the Symbion database and is

under full version control, compliant with

21 CFR Part 11. Once validated, a method

can be recalled from the database and

downloaded for deployment at multiple

instrumentation locations. Symbion Sys-tems, Inc., 1451-A Edinger Ave, Tustin,CA 92780, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.gosymbion.com.

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Spectrum Server EthernetModule

Control Development, Inc. has introduced

a spectrum server ethernet module, which

allows remote operation of any USB2-type

Control Development spectrometer. Fur-

ther, it allows remote operation of a

spectrometer from anywhere on the net-

work. This module uses an on-board ARM

microcomputer running an RTOS to control

the spectrometer, providing high-speed

sampling with real-time performance. The

computer queues up the time-stamped data

(up to 65,000 spectra) until it can be read by

the client, so there are no gaps in sampling.

Control Development, Inc., 2633 Founda-tion Drive, South Bend, IN 46628, Ph: 574-288-7338, www.controldevelopment.com.

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2011BUYER’S GUIDE

50A Volume 65, Number 2, 2011