Agilent Technologies Inc has introduced the 4100 Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES), a breakthrough elemental analysis instrument that runs entirely on air.
The 4100 MP-AES fundamentally changes the way scientists conduct elemental analysis. Using a nitrogen-based plasma that runs on air, the 4100 MP-AES does not require flammable or expensive gases.
With no external cylinder connections required and no need for ongoing gas supplies, the 4100 MP-AES is ideal for any elemental analysis laboratory—especially remote sites and mobile laboratories. By eliminating the need to plumb multiple gases into the laboratory or manually transport and handle gas cylinders, the 4100 MP-AES also improves lab safety.
“The MP-AES instrument from Agilent is a home run for both gold analysis and base-metal analysis,” said Bobby Joe Reichel, analytical development official, Nevada Laboratory Services, Newmont Mining Corporation. “It provides superior detection limits and a vastly expanded calibration range to enable quick and easy analysis at trace levels, while eliminating the need for time-consuming dilutions of higher grade samples.”
Philip Binns, Agilent vice president for spectroscopy products, commented: “The Agilent 4100 MP-AES is the most significant technology advancement in atomic spectroscopy in decades. Agilent is changing the game in the field of elemental analysis. The 4100 MP-AES does not redefine a product category; it creates an entirely new one while offering the lowest cost of ownership for elemental analysis along with improved laboratory safety.”
 |
Agilent SureScan Microarray scanner |
Applying tried-and-true microwave technology to spectroscopy, the 4100 MP-AES delivers impressive performance as well. The magnetically excited microwave plasma source provides improved linear dynamic range, superior detection limits, and faster measurement compared with flame atomic-absorption spectroscopy.
Easy to use application-specific software applets automatically load a preset method, enabling users to start analysis without the need for method development or alignment. Minimal training is required.
Since flammable gases are no longer required, the 4100 MP-AES allows for safe, unattended multi-element overnight operation.
Protocol analyser
Among its latest innovations, Agilent Technologies introduced the industry’s fastest and deepest USB 3.0/2.0 protocol analyser and the industry’s only USB 3.0 jammer.
The new USB 3.0/2.0 analysers combine the industry’s deepest trace buffers - up to 18 GB - with its most powerful triggering engine. The new USB 3.0 jammer uses this same triggering engine, making it possible for engineers to precisely inject specific errors into the system under test.
These combined capabilities allow engineers to push USB designs to their limits - and beyond - so they can validate and troubleshoot their designs more quickly and with higher confidence.
Agilent’s recent purchase of the USB technology of SerialTek LLC enabled the company’s rapid development of these products. The purchase included SerialTek’s USB BusXpert and USB BusMod products and related technology. Privately held SerialTek is based in San Jose, Calif (US). Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
“SerialTek’s cutting-edge technology provides Agilent an immediate, competitive entry into the USB protocol market,” said Ross Nelson, general manager of Agilent’s Digital Debug Solutions product line. “By introducing the industry’s highest-performance USB protocol analyser and jammer, we are helping our customers continue to innovate in this important market. Our customers can expect to see a continuous series of enhancements over time, leveraging Agilent’s existing core technology.”
Agilent Technologies Inc is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company’s 18,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. It had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2010.
Agilent has also introduced the SureScan Microarray scanner, the latest innovation in scanner technology and the foundation of Agilent’s complete microarray solution for both gene expression and CGH/cytogenetics research applications.
The new SureScan system delivers the highest sensitivity, widest dynamic range and exceptional resolution, providing researchers with the greatest degree of confidence in their microarray results.
In addition, the manufacturing process used on the SureScan Microarray scanner is ISO 13485 certified, demonstrating Agilent’s commitment in assuring controlled processes.
The SureScan system offers a streamlined workflow, allowing researchers to continuously load microarray slides while the instrument is operating. With the system’s random scanning capability, they can also reprioritise and rearrange the scan queue order at any point during the operation.
Raw image data is automatically loaded into Agilent Feature Extraction software, eliminating manual transfer.
The compact Agilent SureScan Microarray scanner (16.5 in high, 17 in wide and 26 in deep) conserves bench space. The system also combines a newly designed slide cover and a built-in ozone barrier system to minimise dye signal degradation, protecting valuable samples.
Extremely sensitive results are achieved by the unique dynamic autofocus mechanism in conjunction with a detection limit of as low as 0.01 fluorophores per square micron. These enable users to capture quality data from samples with both low and high signals.
“Researchers can be confident that the new SureScan system will deliver consistently good microarray results for many years to come,” said Robert Schueren, Agilent vice president and general manager, genomics. “With our market-leading portfolio of microarrays, custom microarrays, reagents and software, our customers can invest in one platform knowing that it will fit a wide range of research needs.”
