Axiom Analytical, Inc. Achieves New Capability for High Sensitivity UV-Visible Analysis of Chromophores

Axiom Analytical, Inc., a supplier of sampling equipment, software, and integrated systems for all forms of vibrational spectroscopy, has released its TNL-120EL High Sensitivity UV-visible Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Flow Cells. 

UV-Visible spectroscopy is widely used for the analysis of chromophores: groups of atoms characterized by strongly absorbing electronic transitions.  The attractiveness of this method results from the relationship between the spectra and the molecular functional groups.  However, when using conventional transmission analysis, it is often necessary to dilute a sample by a factor of at least thousand in a suitable non-absorbing solvent.  This requirement is undesirable for a number of reasons. The alternative is the use of attenuated total reflectance (ATR).  This approach provides an effective path length at least three orders of magnitude shorter than is practical in transmission analysis.

Until now, the most common sampling devices used for UV-visible chromophore analysis have been sapphire tipped ATR probes.  These are often employed in such applications as pharmaceutical dissolution monitoring and the analysis of dyes and other strongly pigmented materials.  However, the available ATR probes are quite inflexible in that they are inherently restricted to three internal reflections at an incidence angle of typically 60 degrees.  This arrangement provides insufficient sensitivity for many applications. 

Axiom’s new TNL-120EL ATR Flow Cell overcomes the sensitivity limitations of sapphire ATR probes in three ways.  First, it uses fused silica as the ATR rod material, providing greater penetration depth per reflection than is available with the sapphire probes.  Second, its design allows the angle of incidence to be chosen to maximize sensitivity.  Third, the rod design allows the number of reflections to be increased considerably beyond the three which characterize the earlier probes.  When used to analyze aqueous samples, a nine reflection version of the new cell provides typically a factor of six greater sensitivity than is available with the sapphire probes. The company envisions even greater sensitivity enhancement with cells employing longer ATR rods.

M4406 Spectroradiometer

The MIDAC M4406 is a compact, high performance FTIR module with an integrated 3 inch tele ­scope. Its light weight, (15 pounds), physical size, (12 inches by 8 inches by 11 inches), and rugged interfer­ometer make it a versatile and easily portable instrument. The unit is well suited to field measurements, can be powered by a 12 volt battery, and includes a highly sensitive detector (cooled either thermo-electrically or by stirling-cycle engine).

When used for radiometric applications, the M4406 combines compact packaging with improved sensitivity, resolution, and speed compared to traditional methods of measurement. For chemical composition measurement, the speed and specificity of FTIR for multicomponent analysis is well documented.

Data collection, post processing and report generation can be accomplished on a notebook computer using Essential FTIR software.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has recently introduced the Thermo Scientific X-Ray Master Sensor. The new X-Ray Master Sensor is a non-contacting weight and thickness measurement system suitable for a wide range of sheet products, from film to fiberglass. The X-Ray Master Sensor incorporates unique technologies and features that make it well suited for materials and processes where accuracy, safety and superior results are demanded.

The Thermo Scientific X-Ray Master Sensor ensures highly accurate, selective measurement using a digitally tuned X-ray source. The low-power X-ray tube reduces heat production and eliminates the need for external cooling for increased reliability and reduced maintenance costs. In addition, the Thermo Scientific X-Ray Master Sensor is a non-nuclear measurement that offers exceptional performance, safety and lower installation costs.

MESURgauge Force & Torque Analysis Software

Mark-10 Corp. has introduced MESURgauge, a measuring and analysis program designed to expand the functionality of force and torque measuring instruments. MESURgauge captures readings from any force or torque gauge with RS-232 output, and displays data in tabular and graphical formats. Load data can be graphed against time or travel, particularly useful for such applications as spring testing and tensile testing.

The program includes a set of tools to analyze test results, including statistical calculations, quick data export to Microsoft Excel, customizable reports, pass/fail indicators, and many others. Test setups and sequences are customizable and can be saved and recalled. The user can program test start and stop conditions, including load, time, travel, and sample break.

Additional features in MESURgauge include a large display for real time load and travel data and a utility to configure Mark-l 0 gauges from a PC.

Measurement Computing Corp. has released two Web-enabled temperature input devices, the WEB-TEMP and the WEB-TC, which allow users to take measurements and monitor them via the Internet. 

The new products, modeled after MCC's USB-TEMP and the USB-TC products, have corresponding performance, but are Ethernet compatible with built-in Web servers that write temperature data to their own Web page for immediate Internet access from virtually everywhere.

The WEB-TEMP provides eight temperature input channels, each supporting all of the common temperature sensors (J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples; 2-, 3-, or 4-wire RTDs; thermistors, and semiconductor temperature sensors), and 8 bits of digital I/O. Each channel of the WEB-TEMP is capable of monitoring any of the supported input types, so users can mix and match the sensor to the measurement without additional signal conditioning. Moreover, the internal measurement electronics accuracy of the WEB-TEMP vastly exceeds the accuracy specifications of the temperature sensors, thereby recording the most accurate data possible. The WEB-TC specifications are similar to those of the WEB-TEMP, but support thermocouple sensors only.

All eight WEB-TEMP inputs have 500 VDC isolation to the power supply and Ethernet port, protecting both the computer and the input device from damage.

Headwall Photonics and NASA Blast Off With New Hyperspectral Sensor

Headwall Photonics, a supplier of high performance integrated spectrometer systems for spectral imaging and chemical sensing solutions, announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected Headwall’s Hyperspec imaging sensor for use with hyperspectral remote sensing projects.

The NASA Ames Research Center’s Airborne Sensor Facility selected Headwall’s Hyperspec sensor to augment the AVIRIS (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer) program in providing much needed hyperspectral data for remote sensing researchers.

According to Jeffrey Myers, manager of the Airborne Science & Technology Lab, “NASA had a need for high quality, aberration-corrected imaging with high spectral and spatial resolution. Headwall’s Hyperspec sensors are well-known and proven spectral imaging instruments and this is a demanding imaging application”.

The Hyperspec sensor is based on Headwall’s patented, high efficiency sensor design that provides distortion-free chemical imaging across a broad spectral region of interest. Key attributes of these hyperspectral imaging instruments include high optical throughput, high signal-to-noise, and high dynamic range. The Hyperspec sensor is available for a broad range of spectral ranges including VNIR (400 to 1,000 nm), NIR (900 to 1,700 nm), and SWIR (1,000 to 2,500 nm). Expanded spectral ranges and custom wavelength ranges are also available.

2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference

This two-day conference is focused on the latest advancements and economics in electric motor, drive & automation technology. Topics discussed will include new motors, drives & automation systems, system design and integration for optimum performance, new components and materials, advancements in electronics and control, testing systems and techniques. Sessions will also cover market and financial aspects such as demand, supply and pricing outlook for motors, drives, materials and components as they relate to total system economics. Serving OEM design engineers and product developers that integrate motors, drives & automation systems into their products and equipment; developers and manufacturers of motors, drives and integrated systems; component, material and technology providers.

For more information and to register: http://www.e-driveonline.com/motors_conf08_index.htm

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