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One-click operation
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES UPDATE
environment by including a hermetically sealed sample chamber to provide AFM scanning under nonambient vacuum, gas, and liquid conditions. With the ability to purge and exchange the imaging environment, the reaction of the sample to a variety of changes in conditions can be observed. The EnviroScope scanner head is based on the low-noise Dimension™ AFM head, and has a piezoelectric tube scanner, laser, and quadrature optical detector. A choice of two SPM controllers is also available for high lateral data resolution, sensitivity, and optimal functionality, bandwidth, and flexibility. Contact: www.veeco.com
Video game image display Pacific Nanotechnology, Inc. is launching a new software package that combines image display, processing, and analysis for its Nano-R™ and Nano-I™ atomic force microscopes (AFMs). NanoRule+™ takes advantage of computer graphics tools used in video games to display images rapidly and provide intuitive analysis functions. NanoRule+ enables two- and threedimensional image display, error correction, leveling, line and roughness analysis, contrast and brightness adjustment, filtering, scaling and zooming, and variable light shading. Contact: www.pacificnanotech.com
Accurate vertical measurement A new version of Quesant’s Q-Scope 350™ scanning probe microscope (SPM) includes a Z-axis positioning sensor. This advance allows vertical measurements to be made with an accuracy of more than 99% over the full range of z-axis piezoelectric movement. With previous scan heads, it was necessary to calibrate the z-axis regularly, particularly when the height of features to be scanned was changed significantly. The Z-axis positioning sensor removes the need for constant corrections. Once calibrated, the z-axis movement stays accurate and linear, saving the user a significant amount of time. Existing Quesant Q-scope 250 and 350 SPMs can be upgraded. Contact: www.quesant.com
Controlling the environment Digital Instruments’ atomic force microscope (AFM) range now includes the EnviroScope™ AFM System for applications in materials science, electrochemistry, magnetic force microscopy, polymer, and life science studies. The microscope provides control over the sample
64
June 2003
Color photos The AxioCam MRc5 digital camera from Carl Zeiss quickly gives high-resolution color photos of samples under the microscope. It should find use where color images or color contrasting techniques are required, for example in polarization microscopy of metal sections. The camera has a 5 megapixel CCD sensor and is connected to a PC or laptop via a fast FireWire data interface. A live image of the microscope specimen permits smooth handling and setting of the sample on the microscope. Carl Zeiss is also introducing a new technique for displaying fine material structures in the light microscope in high contrast. The C-DIC Differential Interference Contrast technique in circularly polarized light displays objects with much better quality, allowing defects to be recognized more quickly. The C-DIC prism is inserted into the compensator mount of the microscope, between the circular polarizers. Object structures lying in different azimuths can be contrasted one after the other by adjusting the prism rather than rotating the stage or object. This retains the object’s orientation and full information content. Contact: www.zeiss.de
One-click operation Smart Analyzer Vision is a new software suite for the SPECTRO CIROSCCD inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) from SPECTRO Analytical Instruments. The software combines ‘one-click’ routine operation with new functionalities to make full use of the spectrometer’s analytical capabilities. The development of new methods is improved by the use of method wizards, templates, and a help function. Smart Analyzer Vision can store the full spectra raw data for each analysis, allowing data and results to be recalculated and reprocessed at a later time. The software also supports automated operation of the spectrometer. Contact: www.spectro.com
Standard bearer A comprehensive range of traceable elemental standards for inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometers and atomic absorption (AA) spectrophotometers is available from Lambda Advanced Technology Ltd. The Plasma-Pure standards are manufactured for the company by Leeman Labs, Inc. Standards are available in single element or multielement solutions at 1000 ppm and 10 000 ppm, and in volumes from 100 ml to 1 l. In addition, special mixtures can be supplied to customer specifications. Contact: www.lambda-at.com
environment by including a hermetically sealed sample chamber to provide AFM scanning under nonambient vacuum, gas, and liquid conditions. With the ability to purge and exchange the imaging environment, the reaction of the sample to a variety of changes in conditions can be observed. The EnviroScope scanner head is based on the low-noise Dimension™ AFM head, and has a piezoelectric tube scanner, laser, and quadrature optical detector. A choice of two SPM controllers is also available for high lateral data resolution, sensitivity, and optimal functionality, bandwidth, and flexibility. Contact: www.veeco.com
Video game image display Pacific Nanotechnology, Inc. is launching a new software package that combines image display, processing, and analysis for its Nano-R™ and Nano-I™ atomic force microscopes (AFMs). NanoRule+™ takes advantage of computer graphics tools used in video games to display images rapidly and provide intuitive analysis functions. NanoRule+ enables two- and threedimensional image display, error correction, leveling, line and roughness analysis, contrast and brightness adjustment, filtering, scaling and zooming, and variable light shading. Contact: www.pacificnanotech.com
Accurate vertical measurement A new version of Quesant’s Q-Scope 350™ scanning probe microscope (SPM) includes a Z-axis positioning sensor. This advance allows vertical measurements to be made with an accuracy of more than 99% over the full range of z-axis piezoelectric movement. With previous scan heads, it was necessary to calibrate the z-axis regularly, particularly when the height of features to be scanned was changed significantly. The Z-axis positioning sensor removes the need for constant corrections. Once calibrated, the z-axis movement stays accurate and linear, saving the user a significant amount of time. Existing Quesant Q-scope 250 and 350 SPMs can be upgraded. Contact: www.quesant.com
Controlling the environment Digital Instruments’ atomic force microscope (AFM) range now includes the EnviroScope™ AFM System for applications in materials science, electrochemistry, magnetic force microscopy, polymer, and life science studies. The microscope provides control over the sample
64
June 2003
Color photos The AxioCam MRc5 digital camera from Carl Zeiss quickly gives high-resolution color photos of samples under the microscope. It should find use where color images or color contrasting techniques are required, for example in polarization microscopy of metal sections. The camera has a 5 megapixel CCD sensor and is connected to a PC or laptop via a fast FireWire data interface. A live image of the microscope specimen permits smooth handling and setting of the sample on the microscope. Carl Zeiss is also introducing a new technique for displaying fine material structures in the light microscope in high contrast. The C-DIC Differential Interference Contrast technique in circularly polarized light displays objects with much better quality, allowing defects to be recognized more quickly. The C-DIC prism is inserted into the compensator mount of the microscope, between the circular polarizers. Object structures lying in different azimuths can be contrasted one after the other by adjusting the prism rather than rotating the stage or object. This retains the object’s orientation and full information content. Contact: www.zeiss.de
One-click operation Smart Analyzer Vision is a new software suite for the SPECTRO CIROSCCD inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) from SPECTRO Analytical Instruments. The software combines ‘one-click’ routine operation with new functionalities to make full use of the spectrometer’s analytical capabilities. The development of new methods is improved by the use of method wizards, templates, and a help function. Smart Analyzer Vision can store the full spectra raw data for each analysis, allowing data and results to be recalculated and reprocessed at a later time. The software also supports automated operation of the spectrometer. Contact: www.spectro.com
Standard bearer A comprehensive range of traceable elemental standards for inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometers and atomic absorption (AA) spectrophotometers is available from Lambda Advanced Technology Ltd. The Plasma-Pure standards are manufactured for the company by Leeman Labs, Inc. Standards are available in single element or multielement solutions at 1000 ppm and 10 000 ppm, and in volumes from 100 ml to 1 l. In addition, special mixtures can be supplied to customer specifications. Contact: www.lambda-at.com