6


Morphologically Directed Raman Spectroscopy Supports Identification of Particles in Mixed Populations


With the introduction of the Morphologi G3-ID system last year, Malvern Instruments is providing researchers with the ability to apply morphologically directed Raman spectroscopy to a range of different sample types. Such advanced particle analysis is proving valuable and highly effective in applications that include inhaled product characterisation and pharmaceutical bioequivalence studies, bioequivalence for nasal sprays being referenced specifically in a talk given by the FDA at this year’s IFPAC conference [January 22-25, 2013 Baltimore, MD, USA].


The use of morphologically targeted Raman spectroscopy has also been described in an independent article, as part of granulation studies, to provide the physical and chemical identities of particles in mixed populations.


By combining automated particle imaging with Raman spectroscopy, the Morphologi G3-ID offers a single platform for the measurement of particle size, shape and chemical identity. The technology involved enables independent characterisation of individual components present within a blend or mixture, while the instrument itself is designed for automation and ease of use. Standard operating procedures control all aspects of the measurement from sample dispersion through to size, shape and chemical analyses, enabling automatic selection, targeting and chemical classification of 1000s of individual particles.


A comprehensive introduction to the Morphologi G3-ID can be downloaded from the Malvern website. MORE INFO. 11


US Patent Awarded for Novel Mass Spectrometer Ion Trap Control Technology


1st Detect Corporation, a subsidiary of Astrotech Corporation, has announced that the United States Patent Office (‘USPTO’) has allowed the issuance of a key patent for the company's unique method to miniaturise the electrical circuitry for a mass spectrometer ion trap used for chemical analysis and detection.


"We are extremely pleased that the USPTO has allowed this patent. This patent is an important component of our intellectual property portfolio as it allows 1st Detect to miniaturise mass spectrometers without sacrificing performance." said Thomas B Pickens III, Chairman and CEO of 1st Detect.


"The patent clearly validates our technology and both demonstrates and protects the progress we have made in the development of the 1st Detect Miniature Mass Spectrometer."


The patent, entitled ‘End Cap Voltage Control of Ion Traps’, published as USPTO No. 8,334,506, represents a key technological advantage for 1st Detect to optimise the operation of an ion trap using compact and efficient circuitry.


"The technology protected by this patent supports our objective to offer the most affordable, high performance miniature mass spectrometer for both laboratory and field applications." added David Rafferty, the inventor of the novel technology and President and CTO of 1st Detect.


1st Detect Corporation has developed an instrument that revolutionises the chemical detection and analysis market by delivering lab performance mass spectrometry in a small, affordable and easily portable package.


The 1st Detect mini mass spectrometer's broad capabilities make it an ideal tool for a variety of applications in the research, security, industrial, process flow and healthcare markets; and is capable of detecting a wide variety of chemicals including residues and vapours from explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic chemicals, food and beverage contaminants and pollution products.


MORE INFO. 14


Spectroscopy Company Brings in Throckmorton to Lead Global Engineering


Ocean Optics has appointed Jeff Throckmorton, PhD, Vice President of Engineering to lead the development of its line of end-user and OEM optical sensing products. With offices in the US, Europe and Asia, Throckmorton will have responsibility for the company’s global engineering resources. His goal is to increase and enhance Ocean Optics current line of spectrometers, chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, and accessories through both internal engineering and open innovation initiatives. He and his team will work closely with customers to solve measurement challenges not met by current products. Additionally, Throckmorton will be a member of the Ocean Optics’ board of directors, helping to shape company strategy.


Throckmorton comes to Ocean Optics from technology solutions provider Eltron Research & Development Company (Boulder, Colo.), where he served as Vice President of Technology. He has previously held multiple positions with subsidiaries of Danaher Corporation (Washington, DC) including Vice President Global Innovation for Hach-Lange, Vice President of Research & Development for Hach, and President of Hach Homeland Security Technologies. Earlier in his career held positions with HF Scientific, Inc and BTG Process Control Sensors, Inc.


Throckmorton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Va.). He also holds Masters in Chemical Engineering and Doctorate in Engineering degrees from University of South Florida (Tampa, Fla.).


MORE INFO. 12


Krypton Light Source for VIS-NIR Applications


The ecoVis is a compact, low-voltage light source (400-2500nm) from Ocean Optics with built-in cuvette holder that’s ideal for basic lab measurements in teaching labs and other research environments. The ecoVis has a rugged solid alloy housing that helps to dissipate heat and in-line fibre ports for absorbance and fluorescence measurements.


The ecoVis is small – it’s just 95mm x 50mm and weighs 265g – making it attractive for labs where space is at a premium. The light source has an integrated cuvette holder with 1cm pathlength and a versatile chromium-plated reflective insert that increases the output for fluorescence, holds the cuvette securely in place and can be adjusted through 90º to block the light path for dark measurements.


The ecoVis is designed for absorbance and fluorescence of cuvette-based samples. Its rugged housing and simple design make it useful for teaching labs


and setups where basic absorbance and fluorescence measurements are performed routinely.


Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometer for Reactive Process Monitoring


The Hiden HPR-60 Mass Spectrometer is a research tool conceived specifically for direct analysis of ions, radicals and neutral species in reactive processes, and will be of interest to researchers in the fields of plasma and transient chemistry, reaction kinetics, catalytic processes. The system typically operates in pressure regimes from 5 mbar to 5 bar, and mass spectrometer options provide for measurement of neutrals, positive ions, negative ions and ion energies, with choice of mass range up to 2500 amu.


The system samples direct from the process using a sequence of up to three pressure reduction stages with intermediate aligned beam skimmer cones, providing a sampling range from 5 mbar to 100 mbar for the two-stage system and to 5 bar with the third stage. The configuration forms a supersonic molecular beam for direct, near collision-free transfer of sampled species direct to the UHV-operating mass spectrometer. The potential of each skimmer stage can be independently biased to enhance beam focussing and transmission of ionised species. An integrated molecular beam chopper is available as a system option for automated simultaneous acquisition of foreground/background data, enabling real time display of the molecular beam intensity with instantaneous subtraction of the beam background signal. Vacuum system operation is fully automated and systems are provided with integral over-pressure protection. A custom-engineering service is available for design of any required system-to-process interface.


MORE INFO. 15 MORE INFO. 13


INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96