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

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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
• Automated sample height (z) alignment
• Collimated Light beam (diameter varies with model: 3-5 mm)
• 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:

• Basic frame with back light and control electronics
• 60 frames/s camera
• 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)
• Standard for lateral calibration of the camera liquid library, up to 100 entries (included in software)
• Custom-built Perspex enclosure to reduce acoustic and environmental noise

For more information visit the KSV website.oollam website

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.

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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.