158A Volume 61, Number 8, 2007

Lee Craven, Editor

WHAT’S NEW is provided as a ser-vice for our readers. It contains thelatest news on the products, cata-logs, tips, and supplies that manu-facturers elect to highlight. Publica-tion in WHAT’S NEW does not implyrecommendation or endorsement bythe Society for Applied Spectroscopyor the column editor. Contributions toWHAT’S NEW should be sent to Ap-plied Spectroscopy, What’s New Ed-itor, 201B Broadway Street, Freder-ick, MD 21701-6501 (Fax 301-694-6860). Please note that only black-and-white photos will be consideredfor publication. Although there is nocharge to submit materials, prefer-ence is given to Applied Spectros-copy advertisers. Call 800-627-0932for questions regarding advertising.

�

Innovative EP-NIR Analyzer forBiofuels

Aspectrics, Inc. has extended the capabil-ities of its multicomponent 2750 EP-NIR ana-lyzer to perform reliable and accurate qualityassurance measurements of biofuels. TheEP-NIR analyzer is capable of monitoringmethanol, water, and total glycerin in biodie-sel, measuring water content, ethanol, bio-diesel blend determination, and analyzing eth-anol/gasoline blends. The Aspectrics 2750BioFuels Analyzer is a highly flexible platformable to provide pass/fail information on multi-ple biofuel contaminants before samples aresent out for ASTM certification. A single ana-lyzer is capable of processing multiple bio-diesel and ethanol samples, generating real-time results in just a few seconds. Due to its

compact and rugged design, the Aspectrics2750 BioFuels Analyzer is easy to integrateinto the on-line process environment or packagefor field deployment in harsh biofuel productionfacilities. The analyzer design has received Mil-itary certification for resistance to vibration.Additionally, the analyzer uses componentsthat have a MTBF of ten years, deliveringhighly stable results over long periods. Oncecalibrated, the biofuels analyzers will provideaccurate results, requiring no specializedtraining to operate. Aspectrics, Inc., 6900Koll Center Pkwy, Suite 401, Pleasanton,CA 94566, Ph: 1-925-931-9270, www.aspectrics.com.

�

Laser Energy Sensors OfferFlexible Broad Utility

The new Multipurpose EnergyMax series oflaser energy sensors from Coherent, Inc.combine large active area, high repetition rateresponse, and high peak power handling ca-pability. These economical sensors featureextremely wide wavelength coverage (190 nmto 12 �m), and can measure pulse energiesfrom 300 nJ to 2 J of lasers operating fromsingle shot to 1 kHz. In addition, all Multipur-pose EnergyMax sensors offer improved userconvenience through the use of onboard elec-tronics to automatically correct for ambienttemperature, as well as built-in wavelengthcompensation factors. Six individual models ofMultipurpose EnergyMax sensors are avail-able to enable measurement over a widerange of beam diameters and average powerlevels. Specifically, low-energy-range sensors

for 300 nJ to 500 mJ pulses are available in10 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm diameters, andhigh energy sensors that cover from 10 �J to2 J are offered in those same sizes. The 25mm and 50 mm diameter sensors accept anoptional heatsink, which can be easily at-tached by the user to further extend energyand/or repetition rate range. MultipurposeEnergyMax sensors are compatible with Co-herent 3sigma, FieldMaxII-TOP, FieldMaxII-P,EPM1000, and EPM2000 meters. Coherent,Inc., 5100 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara,CA 95054, Ph: 1-800-366-4340, www.coherent.com.

�

Programmable TemperatureSpray Chamber for ICP-MS andICP-OES

Glass Expansion announces the releaseof the new IsoMist Programmable Tempera-ture Spray Chamber, providing the benefits ofa temperature-controlled ICP sample introduc-tion system in a compact package. The tem-perature is electronically controlled using anin-built Peltier device. Any temperature be-tween �10 �C and �60 �C can be selected inorder to provide the optimum conditions forany application. The IsoMist can be controlledfrom a PC through a Bluetooth� wireless in-terface. The IsoMist incorporates the provenTwister cyclonic spray chamber, combiningsensitivity and precision with fast washout. Byintroducing the sample at low temperature, theIsoMist reduces oxides, resulting in fewer in-terferences and improved detection limits formost ICP-MS applications. The temperaturecan be set as low as �10 �C to reduce thesolvent load on the plasma. Long-term stabil-ity is improved by holding the spray chamberat a stable temperature. The sensitivity formany ICP-OES analyses is enhanced by run-

APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 159A

2007BUYER’S GUIDE

ning the spray chamber at an elevated tem-perature. The IsoMist is compatible with al-most all ICP-MS and ICP-OES models. GlassExpansion, Inc. 4 Barlows Landing Rd,Unit #2, Pocasset, MA 02559, Ph: 1-508-563-1800, www.geicp.com.

�

Easy to Use LiquidChromatograph-Ion Trap MassSpectrometer

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces theLCQ Fleet�, the latest addition to the portfolioof LCQ ion trap mass spectrometers. TheLCQ Fleet LC-MS system provides cost-effec-tive, rapid sample analysis for routine analysisin the general analytical lab as well as toxi-cological screening, natural products charac-terization, and peptide identification applica-tions. LC-MS is increasingly being used forthe detection and identification of xenobiotics,in applications such as General UnknownScreening (GUS) and Systematic Toxicologi-cal Analysis (STA). Featuring a fast cycle timeand excellent MS(n) spectral quality, the LCQ

Fleet enables rapid identification and charac-terization without the need for a pre-purifica-tion process. The Ion Max� source deliversrobustness for demanding analytical applica-tions. The LCQ Fleet operates on the Win-dows based Xcalibur software platform, whichprovides automated LC-MS/MS instrumentcontrol as well as quick and efficient data ac-quisition, process, and results delivery. Ther-mo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 81 WymanStreet, Waltham, MA 02454, Ph: 1-800-532-4752, www.thermo.com/ms.

�

Ultra-Low-Frequency VibrationIsolation Workstation

Kinetic Systems introduces a versatile ul-tra-low natural frequency vibration isolationworkstation. The MK26 workstation utilizesthe Minus K� stiff spring and negative-stiff-ness mechanism to achieve a low net verticalstiffness without affecting the static load sup-porting capability. Horizontal isolation is pro-vided by beam columns connected in serieswith the vertical motion isolator. Adjusted to a½ Hz natural frequency, the workstationachieves 93% isolation efficiency at 2 Hz,99% at 5 Hz, and 99.7% and 10 Hz. TheMK26 can be configured for a wide variety oflocations where disturbances due to externalvibrations can adversely affect the operation

of sensitive equipment. Customization optionsinclude guard rails, padded armrests, over-head equipment shelves, monitor stands, non-isolated shelves for supporting equipment offthe tabletop, oversized keyboard shelves, re-tractable casters, Faraday Cages, tabletopenclosures, and electrical accessories suchas outlet strips for lighting. The MK26 is avail-able with up to 650 pounds (295 Kg) grossload capacity. It is class 100 cleanroom com-patible with Class 10 available as an option.Tabletops can be ordered in two sizes, 30 �36 inches or 36 � 48 inches, and either inlightweight honeycomb or composite con-struction. Ultra-low natural frequencies, highinternal structural frequencies, and excellentvertical and horizontal isolation efficienciesare properties useful for applications such asanalytical balances, cell injection, confocal mi-croscopes, patch clamping, optical micro-scopes, and atomic force microscopes. Ki-netic Systems, Inc., 20 Arboretum Road,Boston, MA 02131, Ph: 1-617-522-8700,www.kineticsystems.com.

�

Effortlessly Pulverize Samples

The Micro-Mill� II Sample Grinder from Bel-Art is ideal for high speed milling of smallsamples from 20 to 50 mL. The 1⁄5 horsepower(150 Watt) motor drives a stainless steel bladethat quickly pulverizes materials such asbone, ceramics, frozen tissue, minerals, andpharmaceuticals. Softer samples such as fro-

160A Volume 61, Number 8, 2007

2007BUYER’S GUIDE

zen tissue or wood can be processed by add-ing dry ice to the grinding chamber during pro-cessing. The grinding chamber assembly isremovable to allow complete sample recoveryand cleaning. Additional accessory chambersare available to further reduce cross contam-ination. For pulverizing very hard materials, asatellite faced hardened blade is available.The two-position rocker switch allows pulse orcontinuous operation. Safety features includeelectronic switching to prevent operation untilall parts are completely assembled to thebase and the indicator light illuminates. A re-setable circuit breaker protects the mill if thesample jams the blade. Non-skid feet preventmovement of the mill during use. Bel-ArtProducts, Inc., Pequannock, NJ 07440-1992, Ph: 1-800-423-5278 ex 4217, www.belart.com.

�

Broadly Tunable Laser Systemfor Spectroscopic Applications

Aculight Corporation has introduced Ar-gos�, a single frequency, cw optical para-metric oscillator that provides multi-Watt,widely tunable near- to mid-infrared output.With high power and a broad mode-hop-freetuning range, Argos facilitates applicationssuch as photoacoustic and cavity ringdownspectroscopy for trace gas detection. Argos isa rugged, fiber-pumped, singly resonant OPOthat provides rapid, continuous tuning from 1.4to 2 micrometers and from 2.4 to 3.9 micro-meters. It operates at room temperature andproduces simultaneous output at two wave-lengths, with available power between 1 and5 Watts over the tuning range. The linewidthof the OPO output has been measured as lowas 60 kHz. In tandem with the device’s 60

APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 161A

2007BUYER’S GUIDE

GHz mode-hop-free rapid tuning range, thisenables high-resolution spectroscopy. Theunit is compact enough for use in facilitieswhere space is at a premium; the OPO headmeasures 5 � 6 � 14 inches with a controlunit of 10 � 19 � 19 inches. Aculight Cor-poration, 22121 20th Avenue SE, Bothell,WA 98021, Ph: 1-425-482-1100, www.aculight.com.

�

M4000 FT-IR Spectrometers

MIDAC’s M4000 series laboratory spec-

trometers are durable, reliable instruments forgeneral-purpose spectroscopy, QA/QC mea-surements, and service lab and academic ap-plications. The M4000 incorporates many ofthe rugged components used in MIDAC’shigh-performance industrial gas analyzers andrepresents very high value for a laboratory FT-IR. Recent upgrades including dual 16 bitADC and redesigned mirror drive board com-bine for precision and sensitivity for demand-ing applications. M series laboratory FT-IRbenches feature 0.5 cm�1 resolution, a choiceof DTGS, MCT, or dual detectors, industry-standard GRAMS/32-AI software, and a gen-erous sample compartment for easy accesswith a wide variety of popular sample acces-sories. An optional beam output port provideseven greater experimental flexibility. MIDAC,130 McCormick Ave #111, Costa Mesa, CA92626, Ph: 1-714-546-4311, www.midac.com.

�