Vibrational and X-ray spectroscopy

The microtiter plate extension (HTS-XT module) enables high throughput screening of samples in transmission mode using standard microplate formats. Around 1 - 20 uL of the liquid sample is placed onto a single position of a 96-well silicon microtiter plate and dried prior to insertion into the spectrometer. A Twister Microplate Handler enables automatic loading and unloading of up to 20 microtiter plates for high-throughput analysis.

This instrument is also equipped with a Bruker BioATR II Unit that is specifically designed for the investigation of temperature-induced unfolding, refolding and denaturation processes of proteins in aqueous media using only 10-20 µL of sample. A programmable thermostat can produce temperatures from 5 to 95°C and can be set up for automatic ramping. The option for flow-through analysis is also available.

The Bruker Tensor 27 spectrometer is equipped to collect spectra over the MIR spectral range (7000 - 600 cm^-1). It is coupled to the Hyperion 3000 microscope which has an MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) and FPA (Focal Plane Array) detector allowing collection of spectra in single point, mapping or imaging modes.

Mapping involves the collection of spectra from specific, user-defined regions of interest using points, lines or grids, while imaging is the simultaneous collection of spectra using a 64 x 64 FPA detector with each of the 4096 pixels in the array representing a spectrum. 2D/3D false colour maps are generated by plotting the intensity/area/peak-ratio of a characteristic peak(s) vs. the spatial x, y co-ordinates to obtain a visual distribution of one or more characteristic functional groups.

Specialised objectives are available for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and grazing angle (GA) experiments and a live cell incubator accessory enables real-time analysis of changes in live cells under culture conditions.

In addition to standard transmission and reflection measurements, this system also has:

• Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) - used for analysis of materials that are strong absorbers and can provide information about the surface properties of a material
• Grazing angle (GA) - directs infrared light across the sample surface at an incident angle of ~ 84° creating an increased path length of the sample provide high sensitivity and making it ideal for microanalysis of thin coatings on metallic substrates, even down to monolayer thickness.
• Bioptech live cell incubator accessory - enables real-time analysis of changes in live cells under culture conditions.
• Linkam variable temperature stage – enables analysis of liquids or solids at temperatures ranging from –196° C to 600° C. There is also the option to have gas flow-through in the sample chamber.

This is a high-end research grade FTIR instrument equipped to collect spectra over the NIR (15500 – 4000 cm^-1), MIR (12000 – 850 cm^-1) and FIR (680 – 50 cm^-1) spectral ranges using an evacuated optics bench. A vacuum pump allows for evacuation of the optic bench to significantly reduce the infrared active atmospheric water and carbon dioxide absorptions.

Other advantages that the vacuum system offers include the following:

• weak spectral features of some samples are not masked by moisture absorptions
• no problems are caused by the fluctuation of a dry air purge supply.

Sample accessories can be used with this spectrometer to enable analysis using the following method:

• diffuse reflectance – good for non-reflective materials (highly opaque or weakly absorbing) and irregular surfaces or coatings.
• specular reflectance – used to study film thickness, material reflectivity, and the uniformity and homogeneity of surface coatings.
• attenuated total reflectance (ATR) – used for materials that are strong absorbers and can provide information about the surface properties of a material.
• photoacoustic – suitable for solid, semi-solid and liquid samples as well as dark, highly absorbing samples.

This module interfaces with the Bruker Vertex 80v Spectrometer and provides information about the secondary structure of biomolecules (e.g. proteins, RNA/DNA) and how they change as a result of substrate binding, ligand binding, metal binding, oxidative stress, changes in pH or temperature; biomolecular docking and drug/target interactions.

• Samples are analysed in transmission mode as liquids or solids (pressed into pellets) over a spectral range of 1800-850 cm^-1.
• Sum and difference signals are simultaneously collected with high sensitivity with the software able to perform calculation and normalisation of the VCD spectra.
• Short beam path provides optimal stability and signal-to-noise ratio.

This instrument provides morphological, mechanical property and IR spectral information on materials, surfaces and biomaterials (cells, tissues, extracellular vesicles, etc) at resolutions of less than 10 nm (for ideal samples). It consists of a NeaSNOM microscope with both a nano imaging module (NIM) and a nano-FTIR spectroscopy module (NSM). The scattering-type scanning near-filed optical microscope (s-SNOM) is based on atomic force microscope (AFM) technology where the spatial resolution is defined by the tip of the AFM probe.

The NIM uses a patented pseudo-heterodyne detection method coupled with a tuneable, single frequency QCL laser source to enable fast near-field image acquisition at a given wavelength within the range 1750 – 1500 cm^-1 and 1200 – 915 cm^-1. The second module, NSM, has two broadband lasers (4125 – 2400 cm^-1 and 2250 – 667 cm^-1) available for obtaining infrared spectra from individual points on a sample with a spectral resolution of up to 3.2 cm^-1. This module is also capable of mapping measurements.

The instrument can handle samples up to 40 x 50 x 8 mm in size, while the x-y scanner can capture AFM and near-field images up to 100 µm x 100 µm with positioning resolution of 0.4 nm.

The system is also capable of photo-thermal expansion (PTE) spectroscopy and kelvin probe microscopy (KPFM).

This instrument is designed for the analysis of samples in the near-infrared (NIR) region (12500 – 3600 cm^-1). It has high sensitivity and stability due in part to the permanently aligned RockSolid^TM interferometer. A wide array of sampling methods makes it suitable for the analysis of liquids, solids, powders, pastes and tablets. The fibre optic probe attachment even allows samples to be measured directly without transferring to a sample holder. Transmission measurements of multiple liquid vials or solid tablets can also be carried out using the automated sample wheel.

A stand alone, fully automated, all-in-one microscope and FTIR spectrometer designed to be extremely easy to use while still providing high quality spectra. The instrument is fitted with a ×8 objective capable of measurements in reflectance, transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) while a digital zoom allows visible light images to be collect at up to ×32 magnification. The numerical aperture of the objective is automatically changed when switching between IR and visible modes to provide high depth of field visible images while maintaining high sensitivity for IR analysis. The micro-ATR crystal has a 100 µm diameter and is fitted with an integrated pressure control to ensure consistent application of pressure by the crystal on the sample.

The Spero-QT Chemical Imaging Microscope uses quantum cascade technology to substantially outperform FTIR microscopes in terms of spatial resolution, speed, and field-of-view capabilities, and does not require cryogenic cooling. The second-generation system has capability to produce twice the data in one-tenth of the time, while achieving unprecedented signal-to-noise ratios. The stage can image up to 3 microscope slides, and the large sample compartment makes the system compatible with microfluidic devices and accessories. ENVI software is used for advanced image analysis and data processing.

The microscope is a compact automated instrument used for a wide range of experiments from simple point spectroscopy to more sophisticated experiments. Multiple lasers offer excitation lines ranging from the visible to the near infrared (488, 514, 633, 785 and 830 nm) and provide the flexibility to offer the most suitable configuration for a researchers' experimental requirements.

The system is integrated with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to allow for correlated micro- and nano-scale property mapping using both AFM and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS).

Another feature of this system is the ability to map samples. Mapping is a specialised technique used to identify components and visualise their distribution within a sample. There are a number of different mapping modes available including: point-by-point, StreamLine™, StreamLine HR™, Surface and 3D Volume mapping.

Also available for use with this system are:

• Okolab live cell incubator stage - enables real-time analysis of changes in live cells under culture conditions.
• Linkam variable temperature stage – enables analysis of liquids or solids at temperatures ranging from –196° C to 600° C. There is also the option to have gas flow-through in the sample chamber.

A unique state-of-the-art system comprised of two separate Raman spectrometers that operate independently. Five lasers are available that cover a broad range of excitation lines from the deep UV to the NIR (266, 355, 532, 785 and 1064 nm). The Renishaw InVia Qontor confocal spectrometer has an enclosed, upright microscope and features LiveTrack^TM focus tracking technology that enables mapping of rough, smooth, flat and curved surfaces by automatically maintaining optimum focus during data collection. For large samples a flexible sampling arm (FSA) can be mounted into the microscope turret in place of an objective with both single point analysis and mapping available.

The second instrument comprises a Renishaw InVia spectrometer with an inverted microscope which allows Raman spectra to be collected from below the sample (rather than from above). This enables data to be easily acquired from liquid samples, e.g. fluids within microplates, petri dishes and live cells in media.

Both instruments now feature the Rapide mapping function which allow samples to be mapped at a fraction of the time usually required for normal StreamLine™, StreamLineHR™ and 3D Volume mapping.

The upright instrument also has polarisers, ½ and ¼ waveplates for both the 532 and 785 nm lasers allowing the analysis of orientation of Raman active modes within a chiral sample and can perform spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) measurements which enable the analysis of samples beneath obscuring surfaces, e.g. tablets inside plastic packaging.

Also available for use with this system are:

• Okolab live cell incubator stage - enables real-time analysis of changes in live cells under culture conditions.
• Linkam variable temperature stage – enables analysis of liquids or solids at temperatures ranging from –196° C to 600° C. There is also the option to have gas flow-through in the sample chamber.

This instrument uses a 1W Nd:YAG air-cooled laser to deliver an excitation wavelength of 1064 nm. The NIR excitation is particularly useful for the analysis of samples that fluoresce when excited with other high-energy visible excitation lines.

A high throughput module can be configured for experiments using either 90 or 180° sampling geometries while fibre optic coupling to a RAMANSCOPE III microscope allows for sample analysis at a microscopic scale. The microscope is equipped with a motorised stage for mapping and offers 8 µm spatial resolution. High throughput optics and Germanium diode detector offers ultra-low signal detection with minimal noise assuring excellent sensitivity. The real-time spectrum display permits software control of the analysis conditions, including optimization of laser power and the sample position.

The Renishaw Biological Analyser is a compact, easy to use benchtop Raman imaging system designed specifically for the analysis of biological samples. The system provides rapid and detailed information on the distribution and concentration of biochemical species within biological samples, including tissue biopsies, tissue sections and biofluids, through the collection of high-resolution Raman images. The analysis is non-invasive, requires no staining or labelling, has high specificity, and enables the measurement of multiple molecular constituents in biological samples at once.

The ALPHA is a compact, easy to use and portable FTIR spectrometer, with wireless communication, over 8 hours battery operation and a transport case allowing for use in the field, in Sydney Analytical laboratories or other locations/laboratories as needed. Re-alignment is not necessary after transporting the instrument. It is insensitive to vibrations allowing the spectrometer to be placed almost anywhere for use, including in fumehoods.

There are two easily exchangeable sampling modules; the Platinum ATR single reflection diamond for solid and liquid samples and the External Reflection Module (ERM) for non-destructive, contactless analysis of larger samples such as coated metal, paper, textile fabrics, mural paintings or artwork. An integrated video camera in the ERM provides viewing of the sample area.

The MicroNIR^TM OnSite is a rugged and durable handheld spectrometer designed for data collection in the field. It provides non-destructive analysis of a wide range of samples with rapid collection times enabling high throughput. The spectrometer is operated through a tablet or laptop via a USB cable and the obtained spectra can be directly exported as a data matrix for multivariate analysis in The Unscrambler^TM.

A reliable high performance handheld analyser for sample identification using Raman spectroscopy that can even be used on dark, fluorescing and weakly scattering samples. This instrument uses patented Sequentially Shifted Excitation (SSE^TM) technology to mitigate fluorescence issues often encountered with Raman analysis. There are two interchangeable sampling heads available for measuring solid and liquid samples, making it ideal for rapid on-site identification and comparison with no sample preparation. Data can be stored on the spectrometer or transferred wirelessly to a PC for more in-depth analyses and data processing.

This is a sensitive, portable, reliable, compact and easy to use Raman spectrometer designed for laboratory or field analysis of samples. It comes complete with a robust carry case, laptop computer, optical fibre coupled laser probe and can be run on mains power or via the included rechargeable battery. The system is ideal for demanding on-site Raman identification, chemical process monitoring in the lab, the direct, non-destructive analysis of large samples and for any research requiring portability and high sensitivity in a Raman system.

This instrument, located in the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, is designed for surface and thin film characterisation. It is capable of both x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) and provides information on elemental composition, oxidation states and electronic states.

A Thermo Scientific MAGCIS^TM dual mode ion beam enables depth profiling and surface cleaning using either a monatomic or gas cluster beam, while a patented dual beam flood source prevents sample charging enabling easy analysis of insulators.

The size of the x-ray beam can be adjusted from 30 – 400μm in 5μm increments and samples analysed as single points or lines. Chemical imaging is also available allowing distribution maps from 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm up to 3 mm x 3mm in size to be collected.

Specialised accessories include:

• Tilt module – for the collection of angle-dependent XPS with depth resolution of ~ 3nm
• Vacuum transfer module - enables surfaces and devices to be transferred from cleanrooms or PC labs to the instrument without exposure to surface contamination.

The PANalytical energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) bench-top spectrometer performs non-destructive analysis of elements from sodium to uranium, in concentrations from % down to ppm levels. This instrument is equipped with the Malvern Panalytical standardless Omnian calibration program and is specifically configured for the analysis of heavy metals.

The Bruker Tracer 5i is a handheld energy-dispersive XRF spectrometer, ideally suited for analyses both in the laboratory and in the field, and capable of analysing elements from Mg to U (variously % to ppm levels). The system is equipped with an internal camera, 3mm and 8mm collimators, and an automated internal wheel filter as well as a manual filter slot. Current calibrations include those for metals, ceramics and glass, with custom calibrations possible with the use of EasyCal software.

The Bruker ARTAX800 µ-XRF system is a portable energy-dispersive XRF spectrometer, with a 70 µm resolution, capable of both spot analyses and mapping. Elements from Na to U can be analysed (variously % to ppm levels) and a rotating measuring head enables analysis of a wide variety of samples without the need for contact, including samples too large to otherwise be analysed by conventional laboratory instruments and extremely small samples that require high resolution. Custom calibrations are possible with the use of EasyCal software.