40A Volume 62, Number 2, 2008 Lee Craven, Editor WHAT’S NEW is provided as a ser- vice for our readers. It contains the latest news on the products, cata- logs, tips, and supplies that manu- facturers elect to highlight. Publica- tion in WHAT’S NEW does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the Society for Applied Spectroscopy or the column editor. Contributions to WHAT’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 considered for publication. Although there is no charge to submit materials, prefer- ence is given to Applied Spectros- copy advertisers. Call 800-627-0932 for questions regarding advertising. USB CCD Spectrometer B&W Tek is introducing a high dynamic range, over 90% of peak QE, low stray light spectrometer with plug-and-play USB inter- face. This compact and light-weight spectrom- eter employs a low stray light holographic grating and optimized optical bench. The high QE back-thinned CCD array provides superior UV to NIR spectral response, ensuring great signal-to-noise ratio for various UV/Vis/Short- wave NIR spectroscopic measurement appli- cations. Single or bundled fiber options through an SMA905 connector offers ease of use and high throughput coupling for light starving detections. Other applications include UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, lamp characteriza- tions, HPLC, solar monitoring, and others. B&W Tek, Inc., 19 Shea Way, Suite 301, Newark, DE 19713, Ph: 302-368-7824, www.bwtek.com. Integrated Multiple Probes in an SPM System SPM systems use a stylus-like sensor to measure topography and certain functional properties, such as electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Nanonics Imag- ing, Ltd, manufactures an SPM system with independent scanning with up to four probes with ultra-low noise and a variety of imaging modes. The benefits of having more than one probe range from surface resistivity measure- ments and optical or thermal desorption with multiple probes to excite and collect the de- sorbed species for chemical analysis, to na- noindentation with one probe with simulta- neous and accurate atomic force microscopy (AFM), and/or thermal mapping using a sec- ond probe on polymeric, semiconductor, or other materials. Light propagation in plasmon- ic waveguides and devices has to be char- acterized with pump-probe measurements in which one probe excites a single plasmon with one optical probe and the other probe follows its propagation. This is also applicable in sam- ples such as photonic band gap materials. Na- nonics’ MultiView 4000 multi-probe SPM sys- tem allows two or more independently con- trolled SPM probes to be placed nanometers apart and enables a variety of multi point mea- surements on a nanometer scale. Nanonics created the 3D FlatScan, which is a planar, folded-piezo, flexure scan. The specialized glass-based probes of the scan can be as close as 10 nm and are capable of indepen- dently scanning each probe. Also, its ultra-thin design allows access either above or below the scanning stages. Furthermore, the scan- ner, which stands only 7 mm high, can be in- corporated into systems where conventional scan stages are geometrically limiting. Na- nonics Imaging Ltd., Manhat Technology Park, Malcha, Jerusalem, Israel 91487, Ph: 972-2-678-9573, www.nanonics.co.il. New Capability for Analyzing and Monitoring Polymer Melts During Extrusion Axiom Analytical Inc announces the avail- ability of its FPX-250 ‘‘Extruder Access’’ Op- tical Transmission Probes. Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a powerful means for monitoring the chemical composition of nu- merous substances during manufacture. It has found broad application in fields ranging from the analysis of agricultural products to in- line monitoring of both continuous and batch chemical processes. However, the application of near-infrared spectroscopy to extrusion pro- cesses has been limited by the difficulty of gaining access to the material within an ex- truder. Axiom Analytical has now solved this problem by introducing an optical transmis- sion probe that can be mounted in any of the ½–20 UNF pressure transducer fittings that are available on most polymer extruders. Until now, NIR monitoring of polymer melts and other extrusion processes required a flow cell either at the output of an extruder or in a re- circulating loop. While providing excellent spectroscopic results, this arrangement has serious limitations since it is only compatible with small-diameter flow paths and often re- quires modification of the existing equipment. Previous attempts to introduce transmission probes directly into the body of a large scale extruder have been thwarted by the lack of suitable fittings and the fact that the penetra- tion depth required by existing transmission probe designs was incompatible with extruder design. The new FPX-250 transmission probe is designed to fit the ½–20 UNF ‘‘Dynisco- compatible’’ fittings widely used for extruder pressure transducers. At the same time, its design has greatly reduced the required pen- etration into the melt. It thus is compatible with any size extruder and can be quickly attached
Transcript
40A Volume 62, Number 2, 2008
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.
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USB CCD Spectrometer
B&W Tek is introducing a high dynamicrange, over 90% of peak QE, low stray lightspectrometer with plug-and-play USB inter-face. This compact and light-weight spectrom-eter employs a low stray light holographicgrating and optimized optical bench. The highQE back-thinned CCD array provides superiorUV to NIR spectral response, ensuring greatsignal-to-noise ratio for various UV/Vis/Short-wave NIR spectroscopic measurement appli-cations. Single or bundled fiber optionsthrough an SMA905 connector offers ease ofuse and high throughput coupling for light
starving detections. Other applications includeUV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, lamp characteriza-tions, HPLC, solar monitoring, and others.B&W Tek, Inc., 19 Shea Way, Suite 301,Newark, DE 19713, Ph: 302-368-7824,www.bwtek.com.
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Integrated Multiple Probes in anSPM System
SPM systems use a stylus-like sensor tomeasure topography and certain functionalproperties, such as electrical, optical, thermal,and mechanical properties. Nanonics Imag-ing, Ltd, manufactures an SPM system withindependent scanning with up to four probeswith ultra-low noise and a variety of imagingmodes. The benefits of having more than oneprobe range from surface resistivity measure-ments and optical or thermal desorption withmultiple probes to excite and collect the de-sorbed species for chemical analysis, to na-noindentation with one probe with simulta-neous and accurate atomic force microscopy(AFM), and/or thermal mapping using a sec-ond probe on polymeric, semiconductor, orother materials. Light propagation in plasmon-ic waveguides and devices has to be char-acterized with pump-probe measurements inwhich one probe excites a single plasmon withone optical probe and the other probe followsits propagation. This is also applicable in sam-ples such as photonic band gap materials. Na-nonics’ MultiView 4000 multi-probe SPM sys-tem allows two or more independently con-trolled SPM probes to be placed nanometersapart and enables a variety of multi point mea-surements on a nanometer scale. Nanonicscreated the 3D FlatScan, which is a planar,folded-piezo, flexure scan. The specialized
glass-based probes of the scan can be asclose as 10 nm and are capable of indepen-dently scanning each probe. Also, its ultra-thindesign allows access either above or belowthe scanning stages. Furthermore, the scan-ner, which stands only 7 mm high, can be in-corporated into systems where conventionalscan stages are geometrically limiting. Na-nonics Imaging Ltd., Manhat TechnologyPark, Malcha, Jerusalem, Israel 91487, Ph:�972-2-678-9573, www.nanonics.co.il.
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New Capability for Analyzing andMonitoring Polymer Melts DuringExtrusion
Axiom Analytical Inc announces the avail-ability of its FPX-250 ‘‘Extruder Access’’ Op-tical Transmission Probes. Near-infraredspectroscopy provides a powerful means formonitoring the chemical composition of nu-merous substances during manufacture. Ithas found broad application in fields rangingfrom the analysis of agricultural products to in-line monitoring of both continuous and batchchemical processes. However, the applicationof near-infrared spectroscopy to extrusion pro-cesses has been limited by the difficulty ofgaining access to the material within an ex-truder. Axiom Analytical has now solved thisproblem by introducing an optical transmis-sion probe that can be mounted in any of the½–20 UNF pressure transducer fittings thatare available on most polymer extruders. Untilnow, NIR monitoring of polymer melts andother extrusion processes required a flow celleither at the output of an extruder or in a re-circulating loop. While providing excellentspectroscopic results, this arrangement hasserious limitations since it is only compatiblewith small-diameter flow paths and often re-quires modification of the existing equipment.Previous attempts to introduce transmissionprobes directly into the body of a large scaleextruder have been thwarted by the lack ofsuitable fittings and the fact that the penetra-tion depth required by existing transmissionprobe designs was incompatible with extruderdesign. The new FPX-250 transmission probeis designed to fit the ½–20 UNF ‘‘Dynisco-compatible’’ fittings widely used for extruderpressure transducers. At the same time, itsdesign has greatly reduced the required pen-etration into the melt. It thus is compatible withany size extruder and can be quickly attached
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without requiring modification to existingequipment. This makes it practical to usenear-infrared spectroscopy for short termanalysis and troubleshooting, as well as forcontinuous long term polymer process moni-toring. Axiom Analytical, Inc., 17751-B SkyPark Circle, Irvine, CA 92614, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.goaxiom.com.
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Sample Cells for Use with theIndustry Standard NeSSI ProcessAnalytical Platform
Axiom Analytical Inc. announces theavailability of its FFV-310Ne Surface MountSpectroscopic Flow Cells designed specifical-ly to mate to the standard NeSSI (ANSI/ISASP76.00.02-2002) platform. NeSSI (NewSampling/Sensor Initiative) is an industry ini-tiative undertaken to standardize and simplifythe design of systems used in chemical pro-cess analysis. A significant part of this initia-
tive has been the development of modular,miniature, and automated sample systemtechnology using a platform based on theANSI/ISA SP76.00.02-2002 standard. Thisplatform defines a standard mounting and in-terfacing geometry for a new generation ofsurface mount analytical components. Amongthe benefits of the NeSSI platform are modu-lar assembly and replacement, short samplelines, fast response, compact design, lowsample volume, and a high level of automa-tion. Until now, the emphasis in the develop-ment of NeSSI compatible hardware has beenon devices for sample conditioning and controland on scalar sensors for such variables astemperature, pressure, and flow rate. AxiomAnalytical has now extended these develop-ments to encompass multi-dimensional sen-sor systems employing near-infrared and ul-traviolet–visible spectroscopy. The key ele-ment is the new FFV-310Ne Surface MountFlow Cell. This compact cell is designed to beinterfaced to a remote near-infrared or UV-vis-ible spectrometer by means of fiber-optic ca-bles. Individual cells are available with a rangeof fixed or variable path lengths and with op-tics optimized for the NIR, UV, or visible spec-tral ranges. Axiom Analytical, Inc., 17751-BSky Park Circle, Irvine, CA 92614, Ph: 949-757-9300, www.goaxiom.com.
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DeltaNu DNS Spectrometers
Intevac, Inc. announced the release of itsDNS spectrometer product line from DeltaNu.The DNS spectrometers offer performanceand flexibility at very affordable prices. TheDNS spectrometers were designed to maxi-mize synergy with the MOSIR� spectroscopycamera product line. The integrated spectros-copy system offers very high performance interms of resolution, throughput, flexibility, andease of use. The spectroscopy systems willbe used primarily for scientific and industrialresearch, QA/QC, and OEM applications. TheDNS series starts with the very compact, shortfocal length DNS-150 with .4 nm resolution,through the DNS-750, which has .03 nm res-olution. All DNS systems support interchange-able grating turrets and are designed to pro-vide extremely high levels of mechanical sta-bility and repeatability. It is easy to configurethe DNS spectrometer with popular CCD cam-
2008BUYER’S GUIDE
eras including the MOSIR� series; single-point detectors such as PMTs are also sup-ported. Powerful and easy to use applicationsoftware controls the entire spectroscopy sys-tem including VSPEC� and LabView�. Inte-vac Inc, 3560 Bassett Street, Santa Clara,CA 95054-2704, Ph: 408-496-2275, www.intevac.com.
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Total Sulfur Analyzer ProvidingAccurate Sulfur Analyses
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. announcesthe launch of a new Total Sulfur (TS) analyzer,the Thermo Scientific TS 4000. Further ex-panding on the TS 3000 routine analyzer, theTS 4000 incorporates the patent-pendingThermo Scientific True Total Sulfur (TTS)technology, removing nitrogen interferenceand thus providing true total sulfur results.This novel TTS technology is capable of de-termining trace-level sulfur in Cetane Improv-er, offering high productivity performance andallowing for accurate and precise analysis ofsulfur levels in automotive fuels. The uniqueversatility, robustness, and sensitivity of theanalyzer make it ideally suited for a range ofrefinery and petroleum sample types with ahigh nitrogen concentration. The unique TTStechnology has been developed by research-ers at Thermo Fisher in response to new reg-ulations including the ASTM D5453 method-ology implemented by the United States En-vironmental Protection Agency (EPA). Theseregulations dictate strict limitations on the sul-fur content levels in automotive fuels. Ultra-low sulfur diesels are already in use acrossmuch of Europe and Asia and are expected tobecome a viable alternative to mainstream fu-els by 2010. Traditionally, combustion and ul-traviolet fluorescence (UV-F) have been usedfor accurate analysis of sulfur in motor fuels.However, even an optimized detector mayidentify nitrogen as nitrogen oxide, whichemits at the same wavelength as sulfur diox-ide, resulting in inaccurate analysis. Low Ce-tane ultra low sulfur diesel fuel is usually
spiked with Cetane Improver (2-EHN) to boostthe Cetane number. When analyzing sulfur infuel oil using the UV-F detection technique,this 2-EHN component can cause inaccuratedetection of higher sulfur content than truly ex-ists, and consequently has a cost impactwhen it comes to refinery operation planning.The novel TTS technology defines the amountof nitric oxide (NO) added to the sample in thefurnace, inhibiting the formation of SO3, whichcannot be detected using UV-F. This resultsin higher yield combustion of sulfur dioxide(SO2), which can then be detected usingUV-F. Featuring the TTS technology, and con-figured with a UV-F detection system, theThermo Scientific TS 4000 analyzer is capa-ble of detecting sulfur at extremely low levelsin liquids, solids, and gas samples. The Ther-mo Scientific NeXYZ liquid autosampler issupplied standard with all TS 4000 analyzers.The NeXYZ Autosampler offers quick andeasy automatic sample introduction. It is thefirst universal autosampler that can be usedfor solids, as well as direct and indirect injec-tion of small volume hydrocarbons. ThermoFisher Scientific, 81 Wyman Street, Wal-tham, MA 02454, Ph: 800-532-4752, www.thermo.com.
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Super-Gaussian ResonatorNd:YAG Laser
RPMC Lasers introduces the SGR (Super-Gaussian Resonator) series Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The SGR combines VRM (Vari-able Reflectivity Mirror) with an unstable res-onator design to create a cavity with largeTEM00 mode volume for excitation and en-ergy extraction. Users may specify ‘‘flat-top-hat’’ uniform energy distribution or ‘‘VRMGaussian’’ profiles. The close-coupled diffusepump chamber delivers uniform pumping tothe laser rod for optimum lasing excitation ef-ficiency and allows for a higher stored energyby eliminating parasitic oscillations within thepump chamber. The pump chamber useschemically inert materials to withstand highpumping energy and absorb unwanted UVand IR radiation emitted by the flashlamps.One or more amplifiers can be added to theoscillator for energy outputs up to 10J at 1064nm. Harmonics are available for SHG, THG,and FHG generation. The SGR is equippedwith an easy-to-use analog or digital remote
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controller. With scientific- or industrial-grademodels available, the SGR series is an idealsolution for scientific, medical, or OEM indus-trial applications. Applications include photo-chemistry, molecular chemistry, LIDAR, lasercleaning, laser ablation, and many others. TheSGR series is manufactured by BeamtechOptronics, a leader in solid-state laser engi-neering, and is offered through its NorthAmerican representative. RPMC Lasers Inc.,203 Joseph St, O’Fallon, MO 63366, Ph:636-272-7227, www.rpmclasers.com.
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Ultra High-Speed LDTDTechnology for Large VolumeLC/MS Analyses
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc announces astrategic partnership with Phytronix Technol-ogies, a Canada-based company, for the useof Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD)technology. LDTD� technology enhances theexisting Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum�
LC/MS product portfolio by offering ultra fastsample analysis for both quantitative andqualitative applications in high-throughputdrug discovery, drug development, food safe-ty, and environmental applications. Thisunique technology, consisting of a semi-con-ductor-based laser diode, allows scientists torapidly analyze compounds. The workflow isenhanced by simply loading the PhytronixLazwell� 96-well plate with the sample andinserting the plate into the LDTD ion sourceoperating at atmospheric pressure. The LDTDtechnology increases the speed of analysis ofcompounds by 20 to 100 times compared toestablished techniques based on liquid chro-matography with mass spectrometry. Phar-macokinetic studies using LDTD technologycan be performed in less than 10 minutes andenzyme inhibition assays, in 18 minutes, com-pared to 10 hours presently required with LC-MS techniques. The LDTD� ion source utiliz-es an infrared laser diode to thermally desorb
the dried sample. The desorbed sample istransferred in the APCI region, where it is ion-ized and then transferred into the MS. Whenconfigured with the TSQ Quantum, the systemdelivers fast and efficient quantitative andqualitative results. Applications include theanalysis of sulfonamide residues in milk, anal-ysis of explosives such as HMX, RDX, andTNT, and analysis of fatty acids in both posi-tive and negative ion mode. One unique ad-vantage of this technology is that it can beused in mobile units for real-time, on-locationenvironmental testing. For more informationon LDTD technology, see www.phytronix.com.Thermo Fisher Scientific, 81 Wyman Street,Waltham, MA 02454, Ph: 800-532-4752,www.thermo.com.
WITec introduces the alpha500 and alpha700microscopy series for automated Confocal Ra-man Imaging and Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM) on large samples. The alpha500 and al-pha700 combine Confocal Raman Microscopyfor three-dimensional Chemical Imaging andAFM for high resolution structural imaging in anautomated system. A motorized sample stagewith a travel range of 150 � 100 mm for thealpha500 and 350 � 300 mm for the alpha700allows multi-area/multi-point measurements oroverview scans on an arbitrary, user-definednumber of measurement points. Specific auto-mated functions such as an integrated auto-fo-cus and an automatic AFM-tip approach guar-antee that standardized routine measurementprocedures or manually defined sequences canbe performed without any ongoing process con-trol by an operator. The instruments significantlyreduce the overall experiment duration and de-liver a greater amount of data in a given time forresource-minimized routine research or high-lev-el quality control, bringing results to market orpublication even faster. Imaging applications in-volving systematic procedures and routine op-erations as well as large sample analysis benefitfrom the new automated design of the alpha500and alpha700 series. Wafer inspection, phar-maceutical screening, standardized coating, andthin film analysis along with forensics or tissuescreening are just a few examples of a wide va-riety of applications.
For high resolution Confocal Raman Imag-ing and AFM measurements, a piezo-driven
scan stage with capacitive feedback-controland dynamic position control (TrueScan�) isincorporated. In the Raman imaging mode, acomplete spectrum is acquired in as little as760 microseconds at each image pixel, re-sulting in images consisting of tens of thou-sands of Raman spectra being collected inless than a minute. Differences in chemicalcomposition will be apparent in the Raman im-age and can be analyzed with a spatial reso-lution down to 200 nm. By simply rotating theobjective turret, AFM capabilities are acces-sible, supporting all standard AFM modes andensuing high flexibility throughout the fullrange of AFM applications. WITec GmbH,Hoervelsinger Weg 6, 89081 Ulm, Germany,Ph: �49 (0) 731 140 70-0, www.witec.de.
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Sapphire Windows WithstandCorrosive Chemicals
Custom sapphire windows that can with-stand exposure to seawater, slurries, andharsh chemicals, as well as high pressure andtemperature environments, are available fromMeller Optics, Inc. Meller Sapphire Windowsfeature 9 Moh surface hardness, which is sec-ond only to diamond, and are unaffected bycorrosive fluids, abrasive particles, tempera-tures up to 1000 �C, and pressures up to10,000 psi, depending upon configuration.Manufactured to specification, from ¼-in. to10-in. diameter, and ½-mm to 1-in. thick, theyare ideal in conditions where it is desirable toview the inside of a pipe, pump, vessel, or aninstrument containing caustic fluids. Impervi-ous to chlorine- and fluorine gas and mostchemicals, Meller Sapphire Windows find useas viewports in centrifuges, analytical instru-ments, gas cells, high vacuum systems, pho-tomultiplier tubes, machine tools, and oil wells.They provide 270 nm to 4.7 �m range oftransmission, with up to 85% transmission un-coated and up to 99% with A/R coatings ontwo sides. Meller Sapphire Windows arepriced according to size, configuration, and
VICI Metronics’ Dynacal� PermeationTubes are small, inert capsules containing apure chemical compound in a two-phase equi-librium between its gas phase and its liquid orsolid phase. At a constant temperature, thedevice emits the compound through its per-meable portion at a constant rate. Accurate,stable concentrations range from ppb to highppm. The purpose of a calibration gas stan-dard is to establish a reference point for theverification of an analysis. Permeation Tuberates can be certified using standards trace-able to NIST by the most basic and accuratelaboratory procedure—measuring the gravi-metric weight loss over a known period of timeat a known temperature. Permeation rate datais already established for hundreds of differentcompounds, and rates for new compoundscan be easily certified using NIST-traceablestandards. VICI Metronics, Inc., 26272Twelve Trees, #C, Poulsbo, WA 98370, Ph:877-737-1887, www.vicimetronics.com.
International Radiation Detectors, Inc.(IRD), announces the SXUV 100 Ultraviolet/Extreme Ultraviolet (UV/EUV) Photodiode.
The photon detector possesses very high ra-diation hardness and is designed for long-life-time operation in high particle flux environ-ments with no loss of responsivity. The SXUV100 photodiodes feature 10 mm � 10 mmsquare active area. Diodes with single activeareas are available from 1 to 576 mm2; quad-rant diodes with several central openings mayalso be specified. The nitrided metal silicidefront window of the SXUV 100 diode permitsoperation without loss of performance in highhumidity and other environmental conditionsthat normally require sealed packages. TheSXUV diode revealed no observable respon-sivity loss after exposure to billions of 157 and193 nm pulses and exposure to 8 W/cm2 ofcontinuous wave 248 nm laser irradiance forthree weeks. IRD’s advanced sensor technol-ogy devices feature unparalleled quantum ef-ficiency stability. They are ideal for applica-tions that require extreme stability for the de-tection of vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ul-traviolet photons. International RadiationDetectors, Inc., 2527 W. 237th St., Unit A,Torrance, CA 90505-5243, Ph: 310-534-3661, www.ird-inc.com.
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New Fast Scanning RamanTechnology
HORIBA Jobin Yvon have introduced twonew fast Raman scanning technologies.SWIFT� and DuoScan� now make incrediblyfast Raman imaging a reality. SWIFT�, Scan-ning With Incredibly Fast Times, enables un-matched per pixel measurement times as fastas 7 ms. A 50,000 spectrum image can beobtained in 6 minutes. SWIFT� can be usedwith a choice of different detectors and useseither standard motorized mapping stages orpiezo stages for when very small step sizesare required. DuoScan� introduces a revolu-tionary scanning method. Unique scanninghardware enables the image pixel size to bechosen to match features of interest enablingoptimized mapping speeds. Unlike many Ra-man imaging methods, DuoScan� retains thefull confocal advantage of the Raman tech-nique without restriction on laser wavelength.
Combining SWIFT� and DuoScan� results inunprecedented fast mapping of large sam-ples. Whole pharmaceutical tablets can bemeasured in ten minutes or less. HORIBAJobin Yvon, Inc., 3880 Park Ave, Edison, NJ08820, Ph: 732-494-8660, www.jobinyvon.com.
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Sensing Unit for BiochemicalDetection
Stratophase introduces the SpectroSenssensing unit for the detection of toxins, virus-es, and bacteria in real time. Based on an op-tical silicon microchip with an integral planarBragg grating, SpectroSens uses a fiber-opticcable to transmit a conditioned beam of lightto the chip. When target agents or contami-nants are carried in liquid across the surface,tiny changes in sample composition can bedetected by very precise and continuous mon-itoring of the wavelength of light reflected fromthe sensor. By pre-treating the surface tomake it sensitive to certain biological or chem-ical reactions, it becomes a robust and sen-sitive biochemical detector. Stratophase hasalready been successful with its technology inhomeland security and its sensors are beingdeveloped in this area with key customers andthrough government contracts. The technolo-gy has recently been selected by the Univer-sity of Applied Sciences at Aschaffenburg,Germany, for a three-year government-fundedresearch project. In particular, its unique de-sign will enable a network of sensors to bebuilt across a manufacturing platform for con-tinuous multi-point testing. Stratophase Ltd,Unit A7, The Premier Centre, Premier Way,Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9DG, UnitedKingdom, Ph: �44 (0)1794-511226, www.stratophase.com.
