Instruments

Atomic Force Microscopy allows the collection of three-dimensional high-resolution images of surfaces and the measurement of intermolecular nano-scale forces, in air, in controlled environments and liquids. Our group works with two instruments, the Digital Instruments MultiMode 8 and the Asylum MFP-3D.

Digital Instruments MultiMode 8

Imaging Modes:

• Contact mode
• Tapping mode (Phase imaging)
• Force modulation mode

Features

• Picoforce closed-looped scanner for quantitative dynamic force measurements
• Heater modules for imaging from –35° C up to 250° C.
• Atmospheric hoods for operation in a controlled environment or gases
• Liquid cell for contact mode and Tapping Mode imaging in liquid environments
• Litho and MMNISO packages for nanolithography and nanoindentation
• Full PeakForce QNM Software Option for enhanced imaging
• Vibration isolation table
• Nanoscope V controller

Image Modes:

• Contact Mode
• Non-contact Mode (Phase Imaging)
• Force Modulation Mode

Features:

• Sensored, closed loop positioning for high-resolution imaging, accuracy, and reproducibility
• All-digital controller for open software adaptability, power and flexibility.
• Software features such as real-time 3D and phase rendering
• Liquid cell for imaging in liquid environment
• Acoustic hood for acoustic and vibration isolation

For more information visit the Asylum Research website.

4k microscope with 2000x optical zoom. The VHX-7000 is the premier microscope for topographic analysis at the microscale.

Features:

• 20-2000x magnification
• Transmission and reflection modes
• Objective tilt can be adjusted
• Motorized stage
• Image stitching
• Depth profiling
• Optical shadow effect mode
• Multi-directional lighting

Visit the product’s website for more information.

We use an upright reflection microscope together with sample stage and hot stage to investigate the morphology of thin films and surfaces on the microscopic level.

Features:

• Objectives 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x with extra-long working distance, and 100x magnification with super-long working distance
• 10x magnification in the eyepiece
• Epi-illumination by 500 W-LL halogen lamp
• Nikon Digital Sight 5mp colour camera and NIS Elements software package

For more information visit the Nikon website.

Specroscopic ellipsometry is a powerful optical technique for the investigation of the thickness and dielectric properties of thin films, in a non-destructive and contactless manner. Upon the analysis of the change of polarization of light, which is reflected off a sample, ellipsometry can yield information about layers that are thinner than the wavelength of the probing light itself, even down to a single atomic layer.

Features:

• 390 wavelengths from 370 nm to 1000 nm
• Advanced Rotating Compensator (RCE) design
• Manual Variable Angle 45 to 90 degrees
• Small Volume Liquid Cell
• WVASE32™ software for data acquisition/analysis

For more information visit the J.A. Woollam website.

KSV’s CAM 200 is a fully computer-controlled instrument based on video capture of images and automatic image analysis for measuring static and dynamic contact angles, surface or interfacial tensions of liquids, surface free energies, and absorption of liquids into porous materials.

Features:

• One Touch Dispenser, complete with precision syringe
• Liquid/liquid contact angle measuring chamber at room temperature
• Software for determination of contact angle by sessile/raising drop method with automatic base line detection, surface/interfacial tension by pendant/raising drop method
• Image fittings, polynomial, tangent, circular fit, Young-Laplace, including auto-baseline algorithm; and of surface free energy, based on several calculation equations (e.g. Zisman, Simple Fowkes, Schultz)
• Custom-built Perspex enclosure to reduce acoustic and environmental noise

For more information visit the KSV website.oollam website

Our OCA 50 goniometer from DataPhysics is fully automatic and we use it for the analysis of the wettability of solid surfaces, and interfacial tenion measurements. The sample table of the OCA 50 can be positioned along all three directions in space via electronic high-performance axes, with both extraordinary speed and highest precision. The device is combined with an electronic multiple direct dosing system and an electronic syringe to determine surface parameters automatically.

Main features

• Sample table adjustable in all three directions in space with electronic high-performance axes
• High performance 6.5-fold zoom lens
• Integrated continuous fine focus, and adjustable observation angle
• LED-lighting with manual and software controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation
• Included TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel

For more information visit DataPhysics Instruments GmbH.

Dip Coaters are designed to deposit layers of materials (polymers) in a controlled and repeatable way, and of various thicknesses, from monolayers to multilayered structures.

The Fastec IL3 records ultra-sharp 1280 x 1024 monochromatic images at over 500 frames per second, opening a world of events too fast for the human eye to see. The IL3 can be controlled over Gigabit Ethernet via Fastec FasMotion software or via the built-in web interface with a web browser on PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone. The IL3 features both a USB port and an SD port for quick and easy image downloads to USB flash drives, SD cards, or portable hard drives. The built-in SSD (solid state drive) provides for up to 512GB of lightning-fast non-volatile internal storage.

The new generation of systems for rapid analysis of molecular interactions at surfaces. Four sensors enable four parallel measurements at controlled temperature up to 45 °C.

Features:

• The latest electronics and software ensure maximum sensitivity.bsite
• 4-sensor chamber enables high throughput and increases reproducibility.
• Chambers are specifically designed for controlled flow measurements.
• All parts exposed to liquid are easily removed to simplify individual cleaning.
• Complete software package for convenient presentation and analysis of data.

We use a Laurell spincoater (model WS-400B-NPP-Lite) to prepare thin and uniform polymer films on solid surfaces, typically silicon wafers.

Features:

• Solid natural polypropylene housing with clear ECTFE lid
• Capability to process wafers up to 12 cm in diameter
• Digital process controller, with programmable speed (100-8000 RPM), acceleration and time
• Corrosion-proof configuration
• Resistant to acetone, photoresist, developers, and strong acid and bases

We utilise a benchtop plasma instrument for nanoscale surface cleaning and surface activation.

Features:

• Adjustable RF power settings (Low, Medium, High)
• Maximum RF power of 30W
• Includes a 6″ diameter x 6.5″ length Pyrex chamber
• Active fan cooling
• Integral switch for a vacuum pump

For more information visit Harrick Plasma.

We use a 20-liter France Etuves XFM020 vacuum oven suitable for gentle drying of sensitive products and thermal treatments of oxidizable materials.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Maximum Temperature: 200°C (250°C as option).
• Vacuum Range: Up to 10-² mbar (absolute).
• Temperature Fluctuation: < ± 0.2°C.
• Vacuum Control Accuracy: +/- 2% (depending on vacuum pump).
• Control Panel: Located on the top part of the oven to minimise space requirements.
• Internal Lighting: Interior light that turns on when the door is opened.
• Easy Cleaning: Rounded corners for easier cleaning operations. 

Visit Vtech MTE for more information.

The 12X Zoom lens offers the highest combination of zoom range and resolution in an optical system. Ideal for high magnification applications requiring the optimal balance between optical performance, large zoom range and price, the 12X offers incredible 12X (0.58-7X) magnification, increased resolution with 0.004-0.550 N.A., and unmatched edge flatness and clarity.

The 12X Zoom system body tube contains the core zoom mechanism and determines the mechanical nature of your zoom system. Body Tubes may be zoom or non-zoom configurations. Options include:

Coaxial Illumination: Coaxial / on axis illumination is most effective when imaging flat specular surfaces. By integrating the coaxial illumination port, a collimated, diffused and uniform illumination source is integrated into a zoom lens.

Manual Zoom Modules: Designed to offer flexibility in a variety of imaging applications when an automated system is not necessary. Manual adjustment of the zoom and focus allow the user to change the field of view and regain focus when the sample they are imaging changes size.

Apertures: The aperture function allows the user to adjust the amount of light that flows through the system without adjusting light source intensity. The aperture also can improve depth of field when it is adjusted properly.

For more information visit Navitar’s website.

ILA_5150’s LPS 3 is the latest successor of the high power LED source. Using a single TTL input, the light source follows any given sequence from CW up to 500 kHz. This makes it the ideal solution for highly accurate pulses required for PIV, PSP, BOS, Shadowgraphy, FLIM, etc. This safe high power light source is also the perfect fit for educational purposes.

Features:

• Pulses down to 1 μs with superior power stability
• Short rise and fall times
• Accepts any TTL trigger in any sequence (i.e. for PSP)
• User-exchangeable LEDs (white, green, red, blue, UV…)

For more information visit ILA_5150 GmbH.

The Elveflow OB1 is a fast, precise microfluidic pressure controller with 1–4 independent channels for pressure or vacuum. It supports a wide range of pressures (from ±200 mbar up to ±8000 mbar), delivers high stability (±0.005% of full scale), and reacts in under 10 ms. It integrates with Elveflow flow sensors for direct flow control (0.1 µL/min to 500 mL/min) and includes software and SDKs for automation and system integration.

More details: Elveflow OB1 MK4

Elveflow’s MFS3 and MFS4 are high-precision microfluidic thermal flow sensors designed for accurate, bi-directional flow measurement. The MFS3 measures flow rates up to ±80 µL/min, while the MFS4 extends this range up to ±1 mL/min. Both sensors offer 5% accuracy across most of their operating range and feature IP54-rated water-resistant casings for durability. They are compatible with Elveflow’s OB1 pressure controllers and the Microfluidic Sensor Reader (MSR), which enables real-time monitoring and control of flow rates within microfluidic setups. The MSR supports up to four sensors simultaneously, providing high-resolution data acquisition and seamless integration with Elveflow’s Smart Interface software for intuitive system management.

More details: Link

The Omega FTB601B-T is a stainless steel turbine flow sensor designed for accurate measurement of low-viscosity liquids. It operates within a flow range of 0.5 to 5 gallons per minute (GPM) and is suitable for applications requiring precise flow monitoring.​
Key features include a durable 316 stainless steel construction, ensuring compatibility with a variety of liquids and resistance to corrosion. The sensor provides a frequency output proportional to the flow rate, facilitating integration with data acquisition systems or flow controllers. Its compact design allows for easy installation in systems where space is limited.​
The FTB601B-T is part of Omega’s FTB600 series, known for reliable performance in industrial and laboratory settings. It is ideal for applications such as chemical processing, water treatment, and other processes requiring consistent flow measurement.

More details: Link

The Bambu Lab P1S is a fast, enclosed 3D printer designed for reliable, high-quality printing with minimal setup. It prints at speeds up to 500 mm/s and supports materials like PLA, ABS, ASA, and PETG thanks to its enclosed chamber and advanced cooling.

Key features:

• 256 × 256 × 256 mm build volume,
• Direct-drive extruder with a 300 °C hotend,
• Heated dual-sided PEI bed, and automatic calibration.

More details: Link

The Formlabs Form 4 is a professional-grade resin 3D printer that combines speed, precision, and reliability for rapid prototyping and production. Built on Low Force Display™ (LFD) technology, it delivers up to 5× faster print speeds than previous models, with most parts completed in under two hours. Its high resolution, wide material compatibility, and user-friendly interface make it ideal for engineers, designers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers.

Key Features:

• High-Speed Printing: Average print speed of 100 mm/h using advanced LFD technology
• Large Build Volume: 200 × 125 × 210 mm for a wide range of applications
• High Resolution: 50 µm XY resolution with layer heights from 25 to 300 µm
• Excellent Accuracy: Dimensional tolerance of ±0.15% for features between 1–30 mm

More details: Link

The Cricut Maker 3 is a high-performance smart cutting machine ideal for crafters, designers, and small businesses. It cuts over 300 materials—from fabric to balsa wood—and supports Cricut Smart Materials for matless cuts up to 12 feet. With up to 2× faster speeds and 10× more power than earlier models, it works with 13 versatile tools (sold separately) for cutting, writing, scoring, engraving, and more. It features Bluetooth and USB connectivity, improved sensors for Print Then Cut on coloured paper, and seamless integration with Cricut Design Space software.

More details: Link