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A new solution for the analysis of trace evidence is now available from Elliot Scientific. The new Elixir microscope from Craic Technologies offers multiple analytical techniques in a single instrument for the forensic scientist. Users can conduct microspectroscopy, high-resolution imaging, Raman microspectroscopy and glass refractometry with one easy-to-use tool. The system integrates an advanced spectrophotometer with an optical microscope and easy-to-use software, which enables scientists to quickly analyse all manner of microscopic samples of trace evidence using high-sensitivity multiple analytical techniques.

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The new Solas from API Technologies is a SERS substrate that offers improved sensitivity and reproducibility for Raman analysis. Its specially designed architecture is manufactured using advanced nano-fabrication methods and the advanced manufacturing techniques create the sensitivity and reproducibility (within batch and batch-to-batch) required for cutting-edge analytical tests. Applications include detecting trace evidence in forensic laboratory testing, environmental contaminants in water, melamine in milk, explosive residues and road-side drug detection. It can be used in multiple configurations and with many different Raman systems and a series of specifically designed bench-top readers for use with the substrate is also offered. Adapters are available for the most common hand-held and portable Raman systems.

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The LightField 4.0 from Princeton Instruments is a new 64-bit image and spectral acquisition software package which provides a user interface and the functionality needed to set up and perform complex optical diagnostic experiments. This software includes many useful and easy to use features at the user's fingertips and supports the company's PIXIS, PI-MAX 3, ProEM, PyLoN and Quad-RO cameras as well as Acton spectrographs. Features include the IntelliCal spectrograph calibration method, which ensures pixel-by-pixel wavelength and intensity accuracy by using NIST-traceable references and the ability to control PI-MAX 3 ICCD cameras via a virtual dashboard similar to a laboratory oscilloscope. Additional features include automatic hardware detection with intelligent default set-up, automatic saving of every acquisition, direct streaming of multi-gigabyte pixel data to the hard drive, “live vs previously acquired” data comparison, live statistics, a search box, a spectrograph alignment helper, a built-in time stamp, multiple-user experiment settings multiple-camera control and many customisation possibilities. It runs on Microsoft Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate operating systems.

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Shimadzu UK has announced a new series of ultra-high performance scanning spectrometers which offer high-precision spectral analysis of a wide range of samples including organic and inorganic compounds, biological samples, optical materials and photovoltaic devices. The small footprint UV-2700 is a double-beam double-monochromator system that covers a wavelength range of 185 nm to 900 nm for direct measurement of high density samples up to 8 Abs. It features an optical system based on the company's Lo-Ray-Ligh diffraction grating, a new holographic grating that gives low stray light and high energy throughput. The UV-2600 model expands the measurement capabilities of the researcher. The instrument's ultra-low stray light grating delivers 5 Abs performance and, by adding the new ISR-2600 Plus dual detector integrating sphere, extends the transmission or reflectance measuring range up to 1400 nm, enabling the user to study UV-vis-NIR transmittance of nanostructures, architectural glass and photovoltaic devices on a more compact bench-top instrument.

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Princeton has introduced the PyLoN series, a new line of controller-less, cryogenically-cooled CCD cameras, designed for quantitative spectroscopy applications that demand high sensitivity. The first commercially available models in this series are the 100 and 400 dual-amplifier modules that utilise 1340 × 100 and 1340 × 400 sensors, respectively. In creating the new platform, the company redesigned their Spec-10 family of cameras to remove the external controller, increasing experimental flexibility while improving the ultra-low-noise electronics. Liquid nitrogen cooling in the new cameras virtually eliminates dark current, indium metal seals enhance vacuum longevity and binning noise has been reduced from the levels of the Spec-10 platform. Other features include ADC conversion up to 4 MHz, kinetics mode which allows microsecond-resolved kinetic spectral acquisition and custom sensor mode for increased control over the camera readout. The cameras operate on 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems and are fully supported by LightField 64-bit data acquisition software featuring IntelliCal wavelength and intensity calibration packages. The GigE interface allows remote operation via a single cable without the need for custom frame grabbers. The cameras area available with or without a 40 mm shutter.

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MS Noise has introduced an extensive range of soundproofing products for the analytical laboratory. The soundproofing enclosures are manufactured with 6 mm thick ABS and 45–50 mm of heat-, oil- and flameproof insulation material. Robust and quiet cooling fans dissipate internal heat build-up. The enclosures accommodate the entire device and have an internal buffer zone to prevent pump over-heating. Convenient slots and windows simplify installation and maintenance and enable a clear view to check system status.

Hamamatsu has introduced the C9405CB spectrometer. This new TM spectrometer module utilises a transmission grating and a new ultra-high sensitivity IR-enhanced CCD. Hamamatsu have formed a MEMS structure on the back side of the CCD, which results in increased sensitivity at wavelengths longer than 800 nm. Features include a palm-top size polychromator integrated with optical elements, an IR-enhanced CCD together with an image sensor driver circuit and an integrated USB interface to allow simple PC connection and data acquisition. The module is supplied with sample software which allows the end user to set measurement conditions, acquire and save data and display it graphically. It is suited to applications such as medical diagnostics, chromatography applications, food sorting and thickness monitoring.

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Shimadzu has introduced the Optic-4 injector, the 4th generation of the Optic multimode injection system from Atlas GL in the Netherlands, which increases the application range and detection limits of their GC and GC-MS series of mass spectrometers. In addition to the standard sampling modes, the programmable injector can be operated as a large volume injector, pyrolysis or thermal desorption injection system. Features include low thermal mass design and direct resistive heating providing a linear temperature range up to 600°C. When combined with the AOC-5000 Plus autosampler, fully automated sample injection can be utilised using an automatic liner exchanger. Using the injector as a cold injection system enables the analysis of compounds which usually degrade in hot injectors so that reproducible results can be obtained for low boiling point compounds.

Bruker has announced the release of the Scion TQ triple quadrupole and the Scion SQ single quadrupole mass spectrometers for gas chromatography detection. Designed for improved data quality and productivity for analysts working in routing testing and applied markets, they offer high performance and ease of use, particularly for the food safety and environmental monitoring communities. The instruments feature “lens-free” technology which makes them easy to use regardless of the level of experience of the operator, a compact bench space saving footprint, a plug-and-play source for simple maintenance or easy conversion from EI to CI operation, a new axial flow source for improved system performance and less maintenance, an auto-focusing q0 ion optic element that uses helium to enhance transmission into the first resolving quadrupole and a high-capacity turbomolecular pump to enable users to upgrade to CI capability. In addition, the TQ version incorporates a 180° collision cell design for a smaller instrument footprint.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a new workflow to aid analytical and informatics challenges in metabolomics. The workflow integrates new applications software—SIEVE 2.0 differential expression analysis and Mass Frontier 7.0 structural elucidation software—with new HRAM instruments, the Q Exactive benchtop quadrupole-Orbitrap LC-MS/MS and the Orbitrap Elite hybrid mass spectrometer. SIEVE software is an automated solution for label-free, semi-quantitative differential expression analysis of proteins, peptides and metabolites. Mass Frontier software offers an MSⁿ spectral data interpretation solution for identifying challenging differentially expressed components in metabolomics studies with many features including comprehensive spectral data and fragmentation–mechanism knowledge management. The mass spectrometers provide the level of resolution necessary to resolve the many compounds found in biological matrices and the accuracy needed to identify compounds.