New McPherson Spectrometer Provides Quick, Accurate Extreme Ultraviolet (XUV) Wavelength Information
The McPherson, Inc. grazing incidence spectrometer, Model 248/310, works through the vacuum ultraviolet including the extreme UV (XUV) and soft x-ray wavelength regions. It comes with vacuum tight seals for the 10-6 torr vacuum region. Research worldwide for attosecond laser pulses, compact extreme ultraviolet lasers and high harmonic lasers generation benefit from McPherson spectrometers’ ability to quickly and accurately provide XUV wavelength information. Vacuum prepared, clean materials are used for the Model 248/310. The McPherson spectrometer can optionally be prepared for use in the ultra high vacuum (UHV) regime, 10-9 torr. It then features all metal seals throughout. UHV models can be certified by residual gas analysis prior to shipment. The spectrometers short wavelength limit is around 1,200eV (or, if you prefer wavelength, about 1 nm). The McPherson optical spectrometer uses glancing angles between 85 and 88 degrees to maintain good throughput efficiency in the XUV. The instrument operates in the Rowland circle optical geometry. Wavelength reproducibility is 0.01 nm and certified for each instrument shipped.

The McPherson spectrometer used as a broadband spectrograph and with gated microchannel plate intensifier operates in a fixed optical scheme for very stable and reproducible operation. The instrument may be used in any mounting orientation – simplifying arrangement of vacuum components required for advanced experimental systems. Optional light sources enable scientific users to calibrate wavelength or intensity are available as accessories.

Thermal Mass Flow Meter Offers Optional Profibus Interface
Aalborg has released the Model XFM Thermal Mass Flow Meter offering an optional Profibus DP interface. This low-cost smart meter is designed for convenience enabling it to be programmed remotely.

The unit offers superior Performance by its ability to store calibration data for 1 to 10 gases and conversion factors for up to 32 gases.Accuracy is 1 percent of FS at calibration temperature and pressure.

The XFM's automatic sensor zero offset adjustment can be activated locally with a maintenance push button or remotely via digital interface.

Digital command technology starts, reads or saves the current auto zero value. Additional XFM Features include aluminum and stainless steel models, digital interface RS485, RS231 (with or without LCD displays) and optional Profibus DP (with I&M functionality).

Also available are programmable totalizer, high/low flow alarms, self-diagnostic tests, 23 different volumetric flow or engineering units and internal or user-specific K-factors.

Aalborg's XFM Digital Thermal Mass Flow Meters are NIST traceably calibrated, individually programmed and manufactured in Aalborg's ISO 9001 Certified Facility.

Elma Announces New "E-Frame" Open Access Test Chassis
Elma Electronic, Inc., a manufacturer of electronic packaging products, has released a new open frame chassis for test/debugging.  The unit does not have side or back walls around the card cage area, leaving it open for easy access. 

The E-frame was designed with the high (and flexible) power and cooling requirements for VPX (VITA 46/48) systems. However, any 3U or 6U backplanes can be used.  This includes VME/64x, VXS, CompactPCI and other backplane architectures. The Type 39E Portable Tower has a convenient carrying handle.
  
With a rugged modular aluminum construction, the E-frame tower can support up to 21 slots at .8 of an inch or 17 slots at 1 inch pitch. There are front accessible test points and monitoring LEDs for all VME, VPX, VXS, and cPCI voltages.  This includes +3.3V, +/-5 V, +/- 12 V, +/- 24 V and +/- 48 VDC. The E-frame features high performance cooling with 3 by 150 CFM fans under the card cage. The fans are speed controlled with fan fail indication. A system monitor with remote monitoring via Ethernet capability is optional.
The black-coated, powder coated finish of the E-frame enhances aesthetics. Other features include a Rear A/C PEM (Power Entry Module) with fuses, GND Stud, Front located ESD jacks. The unit also offers full RTM (rear transition module) support. The lead-time is four to six weeks. 

Falcon Electric Introduces New FH Series Biomedical and Laboratory-Grade Uninterruptible Power System
Falcon Electric, Inc., a manufacturer of power protection and conversion solutions, has introduced its new FH Series uninterruptible power system (UPS). Specifically designed for the unique power demands of sophisticated biomedical and laboratory equipment, the new FH Series UPS assures a high level of pure power to protect valuable tests and scientific processes. Analyzers, spectrometers, sequencers, diagnostic equipment and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) instrumentation all require the highest level of clean power due to their delicate operating parameters and critical nature. By regenerating new, clean AC power, the FH Series eliminates costly testing inaccuracies, ensures sustained runtimes and lowers maintenance costs. In addition to the new FH Series, conference attendees will be able to learn about Falcon’s comprehensive line of power protection solutions including the SG Series UPSes that feature an isolated, dual output designed for sensitive lab applications and the SSG Series UPS that can withstand high operating temperatures of up to 55ºC (131ºF).

The new FH series’ double conversion, on-line design provides new, clean, tightly regulated power that assures uninterrupted power for a wide spectrum of scientific equipment – from forensics and hospital biomedical labs to semiconductor production, robotics and uranium fuel processing. The units’ on-line design provides no-break battery backup unlike commercial UPS products that are not designed for the demands of sensitive lab instrumentation. It features low input leakage current well under the 300µA requirement for use in non-patient-connected applications as well as input isolation.

Instrument Design and Technology Summit Plans Change
The planning committee for Instrument Design and Technology Summit has announced that the conference will not be held this year and is being considered for a new date and location in 2009.
 
Companies interested in learning more about emerging advancements in the instruments industry should visit the Knowledge Center on our Web site, which includes white papers and listings of Web seminars, training courses and much more. For the latest updates on technical news, new products and industry news, subscribe to the Instrument Design and Technology monthly e-newsletter.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces North American Rollout of One-Day PMI Seminars
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a company focused on serving science, has announced the rollout of its positive material identification (PMI) seminars across North America. They are intended to educate interested stakeholders in petrochemical, refining and associated industries about the critical importance of adopting best practices and a best technology approach to PMI for verifying the safety of operating plants. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a manufacturer of handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.

“Preventing accidents resulting from the installation of incorrect or out of specification metal alloy parts is critical to process safety management in refineries and petrochemical plants. In today’s atmosphere of public scrutiny, it’s essential that petroleum and petrochemical plant inspection personnel discover and correct these material mix-ups before an accident occurs,” said Jim Pasmore, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s manager of business development for Thermo Scientific NITON Analyzers. “Our customers cannot depend on luck to avoid a potential catastrophe.”

“We are excited to offer these free, one-day PMI seminars to personnel from petrochemical, refining, fabrication and testing services. Among others, this can include QA/QC, maintenance, warehouse/store and engineering and inspection departments. We encourage their attendance and active participation,” Pasmore said.

The seminars, kicked off in Long Beach, Calif. in late February, are scheduled throughout the US and Canada through May. They will cover topics such as the basics of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, API RP 578 and recommended PMI procedures, as well as a workshop for hands-on use of the analyzer. Seminar attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion for PMI Training. For more information on the PMI Seminars or to register, visit http://www.niton.com/News-and-Events/default.aspx?qry=seminar

Lumencor Awarded SBIR Grant from the National Institutes of Health to Pursue Development of Novel Light Engine for Bioanalytical Research Applications
Lumencor, a manufacturer developing light engines for the life sciences, has announced that the company has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) from the National Institutes of Health*. Lumencor is developing a new light engine designed to assist life science instrument manufacturers, scientists and clinicians by improving the quality of their analytical instruments and their research and diagnostic outcomes.

“The life science industry is undergoing fundamental change. Researchers are placing greater demand on their analytical equipment for increasingly sensitive and specific analyses,” said Claudia Jaffe, Ph.D., V.P. of Business Development. “High intensity, low cost light sources are essential to the design of these new instruments. In awarding the SBIR grant to Lumencor, the NIH recognizes Lumencor’s role in innovating a unique light engine that will meet the demand for fast evolving analytical research instruments and diagnostic analyzers.”

Many life science instruments demand a stable source of light. In fact, light sources are so critical to the analytical capability of these instruments that their design and performance can be significantly limited by the light sources they employ. Lasers, arc and tungsten lamps, and LED’s, are the light sources in use today and each has its shortcomings: Too few colors are available from lasers and they are typically expensive. Lamps are hot, large and unstable. LEDs are limited to certain colors with sufficient power. Most importantly, none simultaneously meets the need for the wide spectral range of outputs, high power, color stability and durability. The life sciences industry is rapidly developing tools that uncover the roles of nature’s most important biomarkers: enzymes, proteins, genes. To do so, flexible light sources across the UV-VIS-IR spectrum are essential to qualitative analysis and require new light engine solutions to innovate, diversify and expand the industry.

PANalytical launches new Korean Web site
PANalytical, supplier of analytical instrumentation and software for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, has launched a new Korean language Web site: www.panalytical.co.kr. 
 
The new site serves as an additional platform for the company to support its customers in Korea. Non-English speakers can now read about the latest offerings in terms of products, solutions, customer support, events and training courses.

Anant Bhide, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), said, “Korea has carved out a significant niche in the global high-tech arena and is a major market for PANalytical. I am particularly delighted that with the launch of our new Korean language Web site, we are able to get even closer to our customers. The site brings them news of developments in our product and solution offerings and meets the exacting information demands of our discerning Korean customers.”

Country manager of Korea, Jay P Song said, “As well as giving a wealth of helpful information to individual customers, the new Web site will be a focus for increased communication with the market.”

Since April 2006, PANalytical has conducted its business in Korea directly. Previously, it operated through its agent, the SongJee Industrial Corp. PANalytical and SongJee worked closely together for 12 years, with SongJee concentrating wholly on PANalytical business. All SongJee personnel transferred to the new company - Spectris Korea. This reorganization followed a four year period of particularly rapid growth in PANalytical's business in the country: the company's business areas of research and industry, as well as the cement, steel, petrochemical and semiconductor sectors, have all been very active.

Find the Inventor in You
By Ali Afshari

Optomechanical instrument design is an art. It is nothing less than doing a sculpture or painting. It is only an old misconception to think that functionality is less important than artistic form. An elegant design, if it is not an imitation, certainly costs much more to produce in today’s R&D labs. I think good engineering values both the technical aspect and the artistic aspect to produce more successful products. What we call today a classic, is the result of many years of design, and development.

It has been my own desire, and philosophy to come up with a system that allows the optomechanical engineer to not only deal with functionality, but to also create form.

By pure destiny, I came by two wooden boxes of an optical tinker toy set called Microbench at a swap meet in California back in the 80’s, and I bought them both for $180. There were no instructions for the set, so I had to discover the function of each and every part. After two weeks of unforgettable play, I found in it all the elements I had ever dreamed of: It was so precise and versatile, and it yet allowed playfulness. A few years later, I learned the real cost of what I had bought was a little under $10,000. So I invented a system having two things in mind: Lower cost, and higher flexibility.

Figure 1.

So with the help of my distributor on the east coast, we all decided to call it Optoform. Today, Optoform is a proven design, having passed the test of time, it is implemented by companies such as NASA, IBM, JPL, Ames Research Center and many optics universities around the world.

The basic building blocks of Optoform are circular mounts which can slide along support rods (Figure 1). This simplifies the focusing dilemma which is inherent in the ordinary post-mounted laboratory setups. Other Optoform accessories would allow bending of the optical axis to any desired angle

Figure 2.

(Figure 1), performing tilts, and shifting of the elements along the optical path. There is also a cover tubing that can be added to light seal any instrument (Figure 2). With these basic elements, the most sophisticated optical designs, and experiments can be pieced together.

This combines form and function. Although building prototypes has always been possible with standard laboratory components, form has its own impact on experimentation. The self holding feature of Optoform allows the user to examine the light path with a curiosity that is only possible with hand held experience. With a small number of accessories from a kit, experiments can be assembled on a desk top without the need for optical rails or tables that are usually confined in optical labs.

To build a telescope, for example, various mounting rings are available ranging from 25 mm to 200 mm in

Figure 3.

diameter (Figure 3). The main assembly is made with large mounting rings and support rods to secure the primary mirror, while the smaller optical elements such as the eyepiece are constructed utilizing the small diameter rings (Figure 4). Linear bearings provide smooth focusing on the rear of the telescope with the aid of a

micrometer and a return spring (Figure 4). The entire telescope can be covered with off-the-shelf tubing, and because the mounting rings are circular, larger rings can directly secure the inner mounting rings. This is where the name Optoform is derived from, describing an optical mounting system which follows the shape of the inner optical elements. I remember at some trade shows I used the example of a car cover, compared to a rectangular box to cover a car. This is why anything that is made with Optoform actually looks like it, i.e., telescopes, microscopes, spectrometers (Figure 1), etc.

The smaller Finder Scope (Figure 3) can be made with threaded mounting rings. This is nothing new in the industry, but one can choose a mixture of mounts depending on the application. Figure 5 shows a medium sized telescope constructed with the mounting

Figure 4.

rings. The light from the objective lens passes through an image inversion Amici prism to provide an erect image through the eyepiece.

The Optoform system is the result of 10 years in development. Ten years of designing, and redesigning to come up with the most versatile system, now having nearly 600 optical, mechanical and electronics

components. Its circular shape is cheaper to manufacture using today’s live tooling CNC lathes than the square shaped building blocks. It is more versatile with the concentric mounting capability. Having a round shape also makes it tube compatible. These features make Optoform an easy to use, and affordable system for optical breadboarding.

Figure 5.

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The workshop will start with an overview of the various types of intellectual property, including patents, trademark, copyrights, trade secrets, non-competes and publishing. It will feature a detailed discussion of patents, including type of patents, what is patentable, patent laws and rules, the patenting process and patent strategy. Also covered will be the integration of the patenting process with the new product development process and discussion of critical patent strategy issues. It will conclude with a practical training session for writing technical disclosures for patenting purposes.

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