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Report on Temperature Controlled Stage Use by Researchers Studying Grazing Incidence X-ray Scattering Measurements
Linkam Scientific Instruments, report on how groups of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory are making grazing-incidence x-ray scattering measurements using a Linkam HFSX350 thermal stage on Beamline 8-ID-E under the guidance of the Time-Resolved Research group.
Dr Joseph Strzalka is a physicist performing time-resolved research in the X-Ray Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, USA. Beamline 8-ID-E hosts a program in nanoscale morphology and kinetics anchored by a dedicated instrument for grazing-incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS). Many of the user groups are interested in the structure of polymer thin films, self-assembly of nanomaterials and organic optoelectronic materials.
Once the sample is aligned, GIXS data requires a single incident angle without scanning, and at the synchrotron needs only a short exposure, one second or less, to obtain high quality data. This makes it a great match for in situ studies. Applying in situ thermal annealing studies can help unravel this interrelationship.
Dr Strzalka described how they are now working with one of Linkam’s stages, the HFSX350 model. “Our users were interested in capabilities our current stage could not offer: temperatures below ambient, quenching for crystallisation studies, more stable and reliable operation, and a smaller thermal expansion.”
Julie Albert’s group from Tulane University introduced the idea of a Linkam stage to beamline 8-ID-E. They already had a Linkam stage in their lab for their optical microscope. However, they wanted to complement their optical crystallisation studies of organic electronic materials with in situ GIWAXS (grazing-incidence wide angle x-ray scattering) characterisation of the film structure. The second group to use the system this year Aditya Mohite’s group from Los Alamos National Lab and Rice University. They study hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite thin films for high-performance solar cells and other applications.
Plans are under way for more work with the system. Dr Strzalka described his plans: “In May, I’ll be testing out connecting the stage to circulating water. That will let us use more of the temperature range of the stage. Then, for the second cycle (June-August), we have some other user groups who need temperatures up to 300°C. The stage is rated to +350°C, but for temperatures greater than 200°C, it requires circulating cooling water, something we have not yet tested. We also have plans to use the Linux-based software development kit to integrate the Linkam stage controls with our beamline controls.”
46345pr@reply-direct.com Free-standing Stainless Steel Seating Bench Range now Updated
Teknomek’s long-serving free-standing stainless steel seating bench has been updated with a raft of design tweaks to make it even more hygienic, easy clean and ergonomic. Sue Springett, Commercial Manager at Teknomek, explained: “A seating bench is one of those products where you might imagine there’s limited
room for improvement. It’s only by listening closely to end users that you can really appreciate the small changes that could make a real difference to the life time cost of cleaning.
“We took feedback from everyone from hygiene managers to occupational health experts to come up with the revised version. It may be ‘just’ a seating bench, but we’re confident it’s the easiest to clean step over bench on the market.”
Hygiene is, as ever, the primary consideration in designs for the pharma sector. The bench is made of easy-to-clean 304-grade stainless steel with all ‘dirt traps’ – ledges or crevices where dirt and dust can collect – removed to reduce risk from microbial contaminants. This attention to detail even extends to removing the chamfered edge from its predecessor and minimising raised welds while keeping the underneath fully sealed. These revisions allow for quicker and more effective clean down.
The design is also informed by a requirement to make the product as safe and ergonomic as possible. 450mm was deemed to be the optimum height for sitting, the depth has been reduced to 350mm to decrease pressure on the user’s back, and also makes it easier to step over.
The new bench has been robustly designed to ensure longevity of service: it employs a 30mm box section frame and 40mm wide legs to make it strong enough to support weights of up to 250kg. It is also available in a 316-grade stainless steel version for applications requiring extra corrosion resistance. For more information, please see
https://www.teknomek.co.uk/stainless-steel-seating-step-over-bench-5729
46283pr@reply-direct.com Circular Dichroism Measurement in Microplates
Porvair Sciences introduces new black Krystal UV Quartz bottomed microplates that offer excellent optical transmission in the wavelength range 185nm to 1100nm making them ideal for labs looking to make Circular Dichroism (CD) measurements.
Circular Dichroism is a well-established technique for studying optical isomers (chirality) and secondary structure such as alpha/double helix in biological molecules. Consequently, the technique is of considerable interest in drug discovery and therapeutic applications in particular.
The new quartz-bottomed black polystyrene microplates allow these measurements to be made in a convenient ANSI/SLAS compliant 96- or 384well microplate footprint using next-generation CD spectrometers. The proprietary black polystyrene polymer mix ensures low cross-talk whilst the top-quality quartz bottom gives reduced birefringence, essential for good CD measurements.
Precision engineered to deliver a base planarity approaching +/- 100um across the optical surface of all wells, Porvair Krystal UV quartz microplates give outstanding performance and crisp images allowing proteins and other biological molecules to be imaged and then measured for CD through the base of the plate.
Available singly, or in packs of 10 plates, the black Porvair Krystal UV Quartz assay plates offer a major step forward in enabling high-throughput chirality measurements.
For further information please visit
https://www.porvair-sciences.com/krystal-uv-transparent/.
46134pr@reply-direct.com Solvent Recovery Vacuum Systems
Wiggens’ innovative diaphragm pump technology has been used to produce the new generation solvent recovery vacuum system CSC series, which has a wide range of applications like evaporation pumping of gases and vapours in chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Typical applications are rotary evaporators, vacuum concentrators and vacuum drying ovens.
Wiggens high performance chemical resistant diaphragm pump is the heart of these pumping units, frequently used for both lab and pilot plant vacuum applications involving common solvents. Integrated DVR Chemical Resistant Vacuum controller, measurement accuracy can reach to 0.1 mbar. All parts that come into contact with gases are made of PTFE or highly ceramic to ensure chemical resistance. Pre-set multiple modes of operation to meet most of the vacuum requirements. The separator at the inlet, made of high quality glass with protective coating, retains particles and liquid droplets. The waste vapour condenser at the outlet is highly efficient and compact. The condenser enables nearly complete recovery of solvents, efficient recycling, and active protection of the environment.
Performance features include: outstanding chemical resistance and superior vapour tolerance; precise control of the evaporation process; compact and environmental friendly design; whisper quiet and very low vibration; ultimate vacuum range: 2 – 13 mbar; flow rate range: 10 – 120 L/min.
46106pr@reply-direct.com
LABMATE UK & IRELAND - JULY 2018
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