TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

DECEMBER 2006 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 12 69

Powder testing
made easy
Freeman Technology has launched a
new data analysis software package for
its FT4 universal powder tester, used to
measure the permeability, compression,
and shear of materials.
The FT4-DA (V4) software is capable
of delivering a comprehensive analysis
of data in both graphical and report
format. Enhanced graphics and
improved features enable sophisticated
presentation of results, allowing data
comparison. The package enables
rapid interpretation of results and
incorporates a redesigned, simplified
user interface together with the latest
available functions. It can be used
on any computer and FT4 users can
upgrade at no extra cost.
Contact: www.freemantech.co.uk
Sputtering targeted
Bekaert has introduced products for
thin-film deposition on glass. The latest
Rotatable Sputter Products for display
glass include the Bekaert Flextrack
AMBV2 Adjustable Magnet Bar that
improves thickness uniformity and
material use; the Bekaert SiAl 9/13
sputter targets, which have a longer
lifetime than current targets as a result
of their increased thickness; and the
Bekaert ACV3 End Block which has
been produced to enable operational
reliability over long production cycles
without interruption in the process.
Contact: www.bekaert.com/bac
Ultraviolet goes to
extremes
The Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Light
Source Model 642 is a soft X-ray light
source from McPherson. The source
uses a filament to produce electrons
that impact upon a target anode,
causing excitation of the atomic inner
shells, leading to decay and emission.
The output emission spectrum of the
source follows the material valence
band structure of the anode. Anodes
are interchangeable to obtain desired
wavelengths, and are available as
accessories for the source.
The Model 642 gives a stable and
debris-free output.
It is suitable for applications including
metrology of EUV lithography materials
and multilayer or grazing incidence
optical systems.
Contact: www.McPhersonInc.com
Spectrofluorometer
gets sensitive
HORIBA Jobin Yvon has introduced a new bench-top
spectrofluorometer, the FluoroMax-4. The instrument
has a sensitivity greater than 400 000 cps for the
water Raman peak at 397 nm and industry-leading
signal-to-noise ratio of 3000:1. The FluoroMax-4
comes with optional accessories such as automatic
polarizers, stopped-flow devices, and autotitrators.
Peltier heating/cooling is available for varying sample
temperature from cryogenic to high temperatures.
An optical time-correlated single-photon counting
(TCSPC) accessory is also available for fast
fluorescence lifetime measurements. The accessory
incorporates the pulsed NanoLED solid-state light
source that is interchangeable and intense, covering
wavelengths ranging between 265 nm and the near-
infrared.
Contact: www.jobinyvon.com
Interface helps model building
COMSOL Multiphysics 3.3 is a modeling and virtual
prototyping software for engineers featuring a new
Model Tree user interface, that includes interactive
meshing and merging components to enable model
building. The Model Tree interface gives an overview
by producing a menu-tree view, allowing the user
to navigate the model, modifying context-specific
features and settings. All variables, parameters,
constants, and expressions can be accessed from the
tree. The COMSOL Multiphysics dialog boxes enable
users to select ready-made couplings and modify
the interface according to geometry requirements.
Researchers can also build up components with
specific boundaries and definitions, then merge them
into a comprehensive assembly. The package can
handle CAD assemblies and users can import material
properties directly from the Matweb database.
Contact: www.comsol.com
Hot tips for AFM
Anasys Instruments has unveiled a Heated Tip-Atomic
Force Microscope imaging for its Nano-TA systems.
Users can image in tapping mode at sub-20-nm level
with variable temperature control.
The heated tip can be used to study surface
physical changes such as the glass transition and
recrystallization. Thermal properties can be studied
locally by placing the tip on a feature and initiating
a heating process. Deflection of the probe will track
surface events such as expansion or contraction at
glass transition points. The heated-tip capability
is expected to have applications in polymer and
composite studies.
Contact: www. anasysinstruments.com
Bespoke nanoclusters
An ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) nanodeposition system
with two nanocluster generators has been released by
Oxford Applied Research. The instrument can produce
electrically charged, mass-selected clusters coated with
selected materials using a magnetron and electron-
beam evaporator.
High-energy impacted nanoclusters are deposited on a
manipulator which has heating, rotation, and electrical
biasing capabilities for further studies. A wide range of
clustered materials can be prepared for research into
the properties of nanoscale structures and industrial
applications such as catalysis and highly adherent
films.
Contact: www.oaresearch.co.uk
mt912p67_71.indd Sec2:69 07/11/2006 11:51:08