 Latest information
Uniscan Instruments celebrated its 20th year anniversary in November 2009. To mark this occasion they have announced a very special, time limited offer. All purchases of new PG580RM multi-channel systems during April, May or June 2010 will be delivered with a quality laptop, pre-installed with our electrochemistry software, FREE of charge. Customer needs to register for this offer by completing the form at the bottom of the multi-channel page here www.uniscan.com/multichannel_potentiostats.html and adding the words LAPTOP OFFER to the Postal Address line.
Uniscan Instruments has announced the introduction of the Model 3100 power booster for the PG580RM multi-channel potentiostat – galvanostat system and BiStat 3200 bi-potentiostat - bi-galvanostat.
The 3100 is a new generation of high current instrumentation. By utilising the latest processor devices the 3100 provides the speed, versatility and precision required for high current electrochemical applications in a multichannel format. The 3100’s innovative enclosure design with its unique laminar flow paths and on-board micro controlled proportional speed fans provides total heat management system coupled with low noise air movement levels.
The latest version of the UiEChem™ and UiECorr™ software packages support the 3100 Power Booster system and allow the user to easily construct protocols for long term testing of samples. An autosequencing routine facilitates the chaining of experiment types and procedures that have repeated or time-delayed parameters.
Two new technical sales supplements have been published to explain the theory behind scanning vibrating probe measurements and the correlation of current, current density, and voltage and field strengths.
The Scanning Vibrating Probe (SVP or SRET) technique is used to make measurements at a sample’s surface and is an important tool for the material scientist studying localised electrochemical events.
The technical sales supplement TSS #11 entitled “Confused over current and current density, voltage and field strength in SVP?” and the technical sales supplement TSS #12 entitled “Practical methods to correlate the SVP voltage to a current at the sample’s surface” are both available for free downloads from the Uniscan Instruments website at www.uniscan.com/applications.html
Uniscan Instruments have announced the introduction of Version 3 of the UiEChem™ electrochemistry software package. All instruments in the current range (PG581, BiStat 3200 and PG580RM) are now shipping with the latest software.
This latest version has been specifically developed to add enhanced functionally and incorporates ideas and suggestions from our extensive customer set.
The latest version of UiEChem™ features: -
• USB connection to computer.
• Standard Experiments updated to offer enhanced support of multiple channel instruments.
• All standard Experiment Templates revised.
• Active icon experiment buttons added.
• Experiment Data Tables can now "AutoScroll".
• Faster processing of multi-channel data sets.
• Simpler setup of Graphing Templates.
• New graph options added.
• Optimised Experiment Sequencer.
• Rewritten and enhanced HELP files.
Upgrades from Version 2 are currently free of charge for existing users and available for download from the Uniscan website.
Uniscan Instruments is celebrating its 20th year anniversary in November 2009. Founded in 1989, Uniscan Instruments began life as a service organisation for electron microscopes. During the 1990’s Uniscan Instruments began focusing exclusively on the development of scanning electrochemistry instrumentation aimed at the corrosion marketplace and then expanded to include scanning probe techniques used for materials characterisation.
Today, the Uniscan Instruments M370 scanning probe platform which is manufactured at the company’s facility in Buxton, near Manchester, United Kingdom, incorporates some of the most innovative scanning technology commercially available, and is widely accepted as the market leader in its field.
The company has a long history of application orientated engineering and technical proficiency strongly focused on providing high quality, cost effective solutions for the research market. “The past 20 years has been great for Uniscan Instruments, and particularly over the last 5 years where we have doubled the size of our business globally“, stated Graham Johnson, Managing Director, Uniscan Instruments. "It's exciting that in our 20th year we are continuing to innovate and introduce new products used in the development of a wide range of applications and products. We're looking forward to continuing to grow our business for the next 20 years and beyond."
The product range includes a scanning electrochemical microscope, scanning Kelvin probe, scanning vibrating probe system, scanning localised impedance system, an optical surface profiling system and hand-held and multi-channel potentiostat systems.
Uniscan Instruments announces the introduction of the Model PG581 hand-held portable potentiostat. Whilst retaining the innovative features of the previous model the PG581 adds further enhancements to make this a truly portable instrument.
The PG581 is designed to make those important field measurements and bring the data back to the laboratory for subsequent analysis. A real-time graphics screen allows data to be viewed as it is taken and the addition of data storage onto a miniSD card means that experiments can be run in the field without a computer.
The latest version of the UiEChem™ and UiECorr™ software packages allow the user to easily construct protocols for long term testing of samples. A new Autosequencing routine facilitates the chaining of experiment types and procedures that have repeated or time-delayed parameters.
Application areas for the instrument include Corrosion, Trace metal analysis and Electrochemical Sensors
A new Technical Sales Supplement (TSS #10) has been published to demonstrate the use of topographic measurements in conjunction with scanning electrochemical microscopy for sensor applications.
Application of the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technique to sensors or electrodes can provide invaluable information. Providing a high resolution view of the sensor’s activity or conductivity across the surface of the sensor can help the development of higher sensitivity sensors and sensors with greater reproducibility. Key to the measurement of electrochemical activity using the SECM technique is the ability to maintain in close proximity to the surface during a scan. The combination of the Optical-Surface Profiling (OSP) technique with the SECM allows a user to take a measure of the surface features and relieve the SECM probe’s position during the scan and effectively remove the effects of topology resulting in an artefact-free measure of the electrochemical activity.
The TSS entitled “OSP-SECM Height Relief. Application: Sensors & Electrodes” is available from Uniscan Instruments.
A new Technical Sales Supplement (TSS #09) has been published to demonstrate the use of topographic measurements in conjunction with scanning electrochemical microscopy for corrosion applications.
The importance of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to corrosion applications is of growing interest to both scientific and commercial sectors. SECM’s high resolution capabilities coupled with its quantitative analytical capabilities provide a novel method to interrogate and image a surface’s corrosion resistance. The combination of the Optical-Surface Profiling (OSP) technique with the SECM allows a user to take a measure of the surface features and relieve the SECM probe’s position during the scan. With the addition of Height-Tracking it is possible to effectively remove the effects of topology resulting in an unbiased measure of the electrochemical activity.
The TSS entitled “OSP-SECM Height Relief. Application: Corrosion” is available from Uniscan Instruments.
The RC10V is designed to automate the control of an electrode rotator and supports various models from major manufacturers.
The RC10V Rotator Controller accessory connects the BiStat 3200, PG580RM or PG580 potentiostat to an electrode rotator and remotely controls the rotational speed of the unit. The rotator speed can be set directly in software using the Rotator Velocity experiment included with the controller. The software experiment sequencer provides a versatile mechanism to implement complex automatic experiments. An example sequence supplied with the controller implements a completely automatic Levich experiment and analysis.
A brochure describing the product is available from Uniscan Instruments and their distributors.
A new Technical Sales Supplement (TSS #08) has been published to coincide with the introduction of the RC10V accessory from Uniscan Instruments.
The application notes explains the procedure to perform the Levich analysis and explains how the UiEChemTM software allows a user to automate the process of performing a Levich-type analysis by defining a set sequence of events. The diffusion coefficient is calculated automatically from the parameters supplied and is displayed within the “Levich Analysis” macro.
The TSS entitled “Automated Levich Analysis” is available from Uniscan Instruments.
A new Technical Sales Supplement (TSS #07) has been published to demonstrate the height tracking capabilities of the SKP370 module. The Capacitive Height Measurement technique (CHM) and the Capacitive Tracking Measurement technique (CTM) are discussed and the advantages and disadvantage of both techniques are explored. The experimental data is displayed as a 2-d colour map. It is shown how the use of the height tracking facility in the M370 software allows a more accurate determination of the surface work function to be obtained. The system is able to maximise the signal to noise ratio throughout the area-scan by removing the effect of topology.
A web based video shows the technique being used to track a probe across a curved surface.
The TSS entitled “Height tracking with the SKP370 module” is available from Uniscan Instruments.
Uniscan Instruments, UK based manufacturer of potentiostats and galvanostats for material characterisation, corrosion applications and the research and development of electrochemical sensors has appointed Andreescu Labor & Soft S.R.L. of Str. Leonida 13, Bucharest as exclusive distributor of the product line in Romania and the Republic of Moldavia.
Andreescu Labor & Soft S.R.L. have established themselves as a company specialising in the sale and distribution of scientific instrumentation.
With their product knowledge and expertise in the market place they are ideally qualified to provide the most appropriate solution to their customers application requirements.
Andreescu Labor & Soft S.R.L. can be contacted via email at andreescu@labor-soft.ro. Their website is located at www.labor-soft.ro
Uniscan Instruments, UK based manufacturer of potentiostats and galvanostats for material characterisation, corrosion applications and the research and development of electrochemical sensors has appointed BELLTEC of Hubertusstr. 1, Wesel as exclusive distributor of the product line in Germany.
BELLTEC have established themselves as a company specialising in the sale and distribution of scientific instrumentation.
With their product knowledge and expertise in the market place they are ideally qualified to provide the most appropriate solution to their customers application requirements.
BELLTEC can be contacted via email at info@belltec.de. Their website is located at www.Belltec.de
Uniscan Instruments, UK based manufacturer of potentiostats and galvanostats for material characterisation, corrosion applications and the research and development of electrochemical sensors has appointed eDAQ China of Rm 49-502, 68 Julian Road, Baoshan Area, Shanghai as exclusive distributor of the product line in the China.
eDAQ China have established themselves as a company specialising in the distribution and sales of electrochemical instrumentation.
With their product knowledge and expertise in the market place they are ideally qualified to provide the most appropriate solution to their customers application requirements.
eDAQ China can be contacted via email at apan@eDAQ.com.cn. Their website is located at www.eDAQ.com.cn
Uniscan Instruments, UK based manufacturer of scanning electrochemical probe systems, announce an exclusive Agreement with the assigned owners of US Patent 5,202,004 facilitating the distribution of its Model SECM370 Scanning Electrochemical Microscope in the United States of America. The Agreement confers sole and exclusive rights to Uniscan to the intellectual property contained in US Patent 5,202,004 for the lifetime of the Patent.
The SECM370 is an addition to the recently introduced M370 Electrochemical Workstation, a new modular concept into electrochemical probe techniques which includes modules available for Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), Scanning Vibrating Electrode (SVET), Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP), Localised Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS), Scanning Droplet System (SDS) and Non-contact Surface Profiling (OSP).
Uniscan Instruments, UK based manufacturer of potentiostats and galvanostats for material characterisation, corrosion applications and the research and development of electrochemical sensors has appointed GP Instruments of Hamilton Square, NJ as exclusive distributor of the product line in the United States.
GP Instruments recently acquired Alcott Chromatography and have established themselves as a company specialising in the design, manufacture and sales of niche scientific instrumentation.
With their product knowledge and expertise in the market place they are ideally qualified to provide the most appropriate solution to their customers application requirements.
GP Instruments can be contacted via email at orders@gpinstruments.com. Their website is located at www.gpinstruments.com
Uniscan Instruments announces the introduction of the Scanning Droplet System, Model SDS370, to compliment its range of scanning probe instrumentation.
The scanning droplet technique confines a liquid in contact with a sample surface in order to measure electrochemical and corrosion reactions over a limited region where the droplet is actually in contact with the sample. This offers the ability to spatially resolve electrochemical activity and to confine it exclusively to a quantifiable area of the sample.
The SDS370 scanning droplet system allows a spatially resolved, in-situ investigation by the standard electrochemical techniques such as line scans, area maps, potentiostatic pulse steps and open circuit measurements.
The SDS370 is used in conjunction with the M370 x,y,z stage incorporating higher stability, flatness, measurement precision and all scanning axis benefit from highly accurate optical encoders providing precise closed loop feedback positioning over the full scan length. The SDS370 expands the range of scanning electrochemical techniques available from Uniscan Instruments for research and industrial applications and compliments the SVET, LEIS, SKP, SECM and OSP instruments already announced.
Uniscan Instruments, the Buxton based specialist manufacturer of electrochemical and surface measurement and electrochemistry instrumentation has recently introduced the OSP370 Non-contact surface height profiling system complimenting its comprehensive line of surface measurement systems.
Benefiting from years of experience gained designing and building high precision scanning instrumentation, the model OSP370 enjoys exceptional performance for fast, accurate, non-contact surface measurement and profiling on an unlimited range of surfaces. The new OSP370 Module incorporates an highly accurate laser displacement sensor giving the M370 operator the ability to make sub-micron resolution height measurements and generate 3D surface profiles of sample surfaces. The OSP370 is the latest addition to the range of surface measurement modules available with the M370 Scanning Electrochemical workstation.
The laser displacement probe technology incorporated into the OSP370 Module offers unbeatable resolution and dynamic ranges. It is used in conjunction with the M370 x,y,z stage incorporating higher stability, flatness, measurement precision and all scanning axis benefit from highly accurate optical encoders providing precise closed loop feedback positioning over the full scan length.
System control, data acquisition and signal conditioning software running under Microsoft Windows embodies all the user helpful features that efficient, accurate, surface measurement demands. The new release of software allows two dimensional surface profile maps to be acquired with over 4 million data points per map. Post data acquisition software has full Windows clipboard support and allows any point to be measured in x y and z axes; the data is also exportable in ASCII format. Useful new features include tilt removal, digital filtering and various arithmetic options for off-line post data acquisition analysis.
Uniscan Instruments announces the new formation of Elisha Systems Limited – a joint venture company 50% owned by Uniscan Instruments.
Elisha Systems has been formed to exploit the Intellectual Property portfolio generated by Uniscan Instruments and several other researchers in the area of portable immuno-sensor technology. This powerful new technology has applications in healthcare diagnostics as well as environmental analysis and general chemical analysis markets.
At the heart of Elisha technology is the labeless detection of antibody-antigen binding using direct electrochemical interrogation. In short, simple immunosensing can be performed without labels and multiple wash steps with sensitivity directly comparable to standard ELISA techniques and non-specific binding is virtually eliminated using carefully designed electrodes.
The ELISHA platform has been successfully demonstrated on ten different analytes so far, with many more in prospect. Seven Proteins, including PSA, S-100 protein, neuron specific enolase and myelin basic protein have been detected at the clinically relevant ranges.
For more information go to www.immunosensor.com
Four new Technical Sales Supplements (TSS’s) have been published to coincide with the introduction of special written software procedures which provide increased functionality to the Uniscan Instruments SECM370 Scanning Electrochemical Microscope system.
The four current TSS’s available from Uniscan Instruments are: -
#03 - Scanning Probe Application: - Ultra Microelectrode Probes A new range of robust ultra microelectrode probes for use with the Uniscan Instruments SECM370 Scanning Electrochemical Microscope System.
#04 - Scanning Probe Application: - Area OCP Macro A SECM Area-OCP macro which allows a user to measure the small variations in the open-circuit potential as a function of position within a defined area.
#05 - Scanning Probe Application: - Constant Current Macro A SECM constant-current macro which allows a user to successfully approach a surface, specify a current setpoint and track that setpoint across the surface.
#06 - Scanning Probe Application: - Sloping Area Scan Macro A SECM Sloping Area-Scan macro which allows a user to successfully account for slight variations in sample tilt.
The new range of ultra microelectrodes (UME’s) have been specifically designed for use with the Uniscan Instruments SECM370 Scanning Electrochemical Microscope System.
The introduction of the Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) has been a major development in the field of electrochemistry and has been shown to be a tool for surface imaging and has many potential applications in the study of fundamentals of surface reactions for example in corrosion science, or the study of enzyme stabilization and for MEMS. The spatial resolution of the technique to some extent depends on the size and type of the electrochemical electrode employed. UME’s with dimensions of microns are commonly used in many electrochemical applications. Their performance and high current sensitivity makes them ideal for use in amperometric based analysis methods where they also offer benefits in electrochemical studies in low conductive electrolytes.
Request Technical Sales Supplement #3 for further information.
Uniscan Instruments are now able to offer a range of electrode rotators and accessories manufactured by Pine Research Instrumentation.
With over 35 years of experience with rotating electrodes, Pine, based in Raleigh, NC, USA, is the world leader in rotated disk (RDE), rotated ring-disk (RRDE) and rotated cylinder (RCE) electrodes. Their instruments are the preferred electrode rotator for use in electrochemical research in industrial and academic laboratories around the world and are also utilised for industrial and process control applications.
Pine offers a wide range of standard rotating electrodes which address both general and dedicated applications. The rotating cylinder electrodes (RCE) are used in many corrosion experiments and the FastSpeed and HotSpot electrodes are utilised in specialised applications where temperature and rotational speed are critical parameters. Pine manufacture the electrodes in a range of materials and are able to fabricate non-standard electrodes to the customers specifications.
Uniscan is strengthening both its Software Development Group and its Sales and Marketing effort with two key appointments. Mike Dawson has agreed to join Uniscan Instruments in the newly created position of Sales and Marketing Manager, and Andrew Craig has recently joined the Company in the position of Software Engineer. Mike will be taking up his position full time on January 1st 2007, and will undoubtedly strengthen customer support and support for our sales and marketing partners. Mike has many years experience of electrochemistry, corrosion and scanning probe instrumentation, and his product and application knowledge is second to none. Andy is returning to Uniscan after gaining his degree and spending several years with a leading scientific instrument manufacturer. Andy's knowledge and experience of instrumentation software will mean that he will have an immediate positive impact on Uniscan products.
October 2006 sees the launch of the new UiECorr™ corrosion analysis software for the PG580 and multi-channel PG580RM systems. This new suite of software increases the flexibility and range of use for the Uniscan potentiostat family, and offers the corrosion scientist the latest in analytical techniques such as ECorr vs Time. Potentiostatic, Galvanostatic, and Potentiodynamic polarization. Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR). Zero Resistance Ammetry (ZRA) and Tafel analysis. Additionally, all new Uniscan PG580 and PG580RM systems ship now with Auto-current ranging as a standard feature.
Oncoprobe Limited (Manchester, UK), the cancer theranostics company, today announced the completion of a significant equity-financing round with a syndicate of private investors including those from the previous funding round. “This new additional investment reflects the confidence felt by investors in our company and its platform technology. The funding will allow us to meet our plan to roll out a theranostics strategy internationally in partnership with major cancer treatment centres here and in the USA” commented Jim Bristow, the company’s Chairman. “We have been delighted with the progress the technical team, in partnership with Uniscan Instruments Ltd and DuPont UK Ltd, have made with the development of our prototype instrument, and this investment finance will enable us to conduct clinical evaluations in conjunction with our clinical collaborators at the Christie Hospital in Manchester” he said.
Oncoprobe will work closely with clinical oncologists at the Christie Hospital to evaluate the utility of its theranostics instrument in selecting optimal treatment regimes for renal cancer patients initially, moving on to assess its suitability for ovarian and colorectal cancer in the future. Mr Noel Clarke, Head of the Genito-urinary Cancer Research Group at the Christie Hospital said, “We are delighted that Oncoprobe has completed this investment round. We now look forward to working closely with the University Department of Medicine to conduct the clinical assessment of its theranostics technology, which offers great promise in the selection of the most effective therapies for individual cancer patients.”
Electronic nose Company, Scensive Technologies Limited recently received significant investment for product development and refinement of its field based e-nose instrumentation. Various fund investors and private individuals, including Uniscan Instruments Ltd., have provided the initial start up funding for the Company.
Scensive develops and builds electronic noses – devices that are capable of detecting substances such as explosives, drugs and chemical agents, alongside cancer, TB and environmental pollution.
For more information on Scensive Technologies and its electronic nose products please visit:
www.scensive.com
To coincide with several new product launches, and upgrades, Uniscan has undergone a major new branding exercise. This includes an overhaul of our web-site to showcase the new products, and to bring you up to date with all the latest news from Uniscan. The web-site allows registered users the ability to download all the latest instrument software, and request further detailed technical information on all our products.
Uniscan launches a new concept in scanning probe electrochemistry instrumentation with the introduction of the Model 370 Scanning Electrochemical Workstation. For the first time, users will be able to have access to all the major scanning probe electrochemical techniques with one modular system. The M370 can be configured to the users choice with any or all of the following techniques:
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)
Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET)
Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP)
Localized Electrochemical Impedance (LEIS).
The M370 is available with a wide range of optional probes, cells and accessories.
Uniscan announces the introduction of the PG580RM computer controlled multi-channel potentiostat system. The system is designed for demanding laboratory applications and can be configured from 2 to 14 channels which can be controlled independently or be used in conjunction with other channels to perform the same experiment on different electrodes.
Uniscan has recently introduced a generic base sensor for the Model PG580 and PG580R potentiostat systems. The sensors comprise a standard three electrode configuration with a carbon working and counter electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. These base sensors are available in multiples of 25, 50 or more, with a separately available screened sensor connector for easy connection to the PG580.
Uniscan has recently introduced a software download facility on this web-site to ensure that our customers always have access to the latest release of software for their Uniscan manufactured product. Users and qualified prospective customers can register their details, and receive a password allowing them easy access to the very latest release of software. To take advantage of this facility, simply go to the relevant product page, and follow the links in the "Further information" section.
The new PG580 Electrochemical Analyzer from Uniscan Instruments represents a new philosophy in research electrochemistry test and measurement instrumentation.
This new computer controlled potentiostat - galvanostat is a fully portable, hand held electrochemical analyzer, the design of which, provides a user configurable instrument for laboratory use, and the in-field development of electrochemical sensor technologies.
Uniscan Instruments is celebrating following its success in the Department of Trade and Industry Smart Achievement Awards. Uniscan was one of ten firms nationally who were presented with their awards at a ceremony held at the Tomorrows World Live Exhibition at Earls Court recently.
Read the rest of the story here.
The ability to make fast, large area, non-contact measurement at extremely high data density becomes a reality with the launch of the new OSP500LM Surface Profiling System from Uniscan Instruments. The OSP500LM is designed for applications where surface measurement at micron resolution is required over large scan areas up to 500 x 500mm.
Buxton based Uniscan Instruments are celebrating their 3rd Government Innovation Award in as many years. This latest SMART award for £45,000 is to help fund a feasibility study into the use of Biosensors for the measurement of harmful organo-phosphate pesticide contamination in drinking water supplies.
If you have any questions or comments regarding our website or any of our products, please send an e-mail to info@uniscan.com and we will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible.
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