NT-MDT is pleased to announce a new development, Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) integrated with AFM. This new multitechnique approach, provides observation of the sample topography and changes in mass, on a single instrument platform. Users can now get more data for improved interpretation from one instrument AFM/QCM-D.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance dissipation can be used to characterize thin films. It is an extremely sensitive instrument for measuring the formation of proteins, polymers and cells onto a surface in liquid. QCM-D can measure label free in-situ structural properties and mass changes with subnanogram sensitivity in real-time.

The AFM probe and QCM-D crystal resonator work in a closed flow cell. The follow cell provides a controlled environment and regulated introduction of material. 

The combined AFM/QCM-D system is a useful instrument for many applications including:

• Dynamics of biointerfaces
• Biomedical coatings
• Tribology
• Surface forces
• Polymer cross-linking gradients
• Surface functionalization
• Advanced surface analysis

Contact Nanounity for more AFM/QCM-D product information or applications note using this new innovation.

The Solver Next is the first to offer a new concept in general purpose SPM. This new SPM design offers desk top automation opening the way for all user levels to acquire quality SPM images in a short amount of time.

The hassle of manual setup has been eliminated. Intuitive automation guides you through the setup, adjustment and samples measurements. The system incorporates smart software, automated exchange between built-in AFM and STM heads, motorized sample positioning under video monitored control, ergonomic design at a reasonable price - all this makes SPM operation suitable for even a novice.

There's much more to the Solver Next than the integrated AFM & STM, hardware & software automation, with an ergonomic design that's easy to use:

• Many ancillary modes of operation standard with the system including PFM, EFM, MFM...
• Closed-loop feedback scanning
• Fast AFM scanning up to 40 Hz dependent on sample
• iPhone application for reviewing and sharing your images
• Much more...
  

See the Solver Next in action on YouTube.com. Click here to visit the Nanounity channel on YouTube.com.

See images acquired by the Solver Next in our image gallery.

Please contact Nanounity for further details or click here to visit NT-MDT and learn more about the Solver Next. 

The Solver Next has an extensive list of standard features that is defining a new class of SPM. In addition the standard list of features, there are several options available that extend the capability of the Solver Next; heating stage, liquid head and Nanosclerometry head.

These optional features were designed and engineered with the same philosophy as the Solver Next; ease-of-use and research performance for any level of SPM user.

Heating Stage:

• Stage mounts on sample scanner
• Heat sample from room temperature to 150⁰ C

Liquid Head:

• Liquid head comes with open cell
• Made of Titanium, teflon and stainless steal
• Works with a variety of measuring modes in liquid; Contact AFM, Semicontact AFM, later Force Imaging, Adheasion Force Imaging, Force Modulation, Phase Imaging and AFM lithography.

Nanosclerometry Head:

• Destructive techniques; nanoindentation, nanoscratching and nanowear
• Non-destructive techniques; dynamic testing (frequency distance spectroscopy
• Berkovich diamond tip
• Load range up to 150 mN
• Range of measuring parameters; hardness 1^-80 GPa, elastic modulus 1^-1000 GPa
  

Each option has simplified hardware that snaps into place and a single easy to access connector at the front of the instrument. Within a few moments, you can heat your sample, scan in liquid or perform nanomechanical testing.

The NTEGRA is a revolutionary concept in SPM. It was designed specifically to form an SPM base platform for integration with cutting-edge analysis technologies such as Raman spectroscopy and other leading analytical techniques. The NTEGRA is a scaleable platform and expands modularly with your application needs. Each NTEGRA platform shares the same SPM core, electronic controller and software. Instead of investing in a complete new system, you simply add the module that meets your current application.

The NTEGRA currently offers eight solutions for various applications. Each system offers superior performance and has it's own area of specialization.

• NTEGRA Prima - is a high resolution, low noise SPM ideal for advanced multi-user laboratories.
• NTEGRA Therma - performs SPM measurements at either constant or variable temperatures from -30 ⁰C to 300 ⁰C. The Therma low drift head maintains a drift of less than 15nm/⁰C.
• NTEGRA Aura - performs measurements in vacuum down to 10^-2 torr or under controlled atmosphere environments.
• NTEGRA Maximus - has unique high throughput screening capability of multiple samples as well as measurements on large sample substrates.
• NTEGRA Solaris - uses Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM or SNOM) to investigate optical properties beyond conventional limits imposed by diffraction.
• NTEGRA Spectra - integrates SPM with Raman spectroscopy and laser confocal microscopy to study the distribution of chemical properties with molecular resolution. The Spectra is the first commercialized Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) ready system. This improves both spatial resolution and Raman sensitivity.
• NTEGRA Vita - combines the strengths of SPM with an inverted optical microscope for biological applications.
• NTEGRA Tomo - is a unique industry leading innovation, integrating SPM with ultramicrotomy to perform AFM tomography and 3D reconstruction of biological and materials ultrastructure.