SEM & Imaging

There are a number of different imaging techniques. Here are four which cover a very wide range of imaging applications.

Desktop SEM. This user friendly tool bridges the gap between the optical microscope and ultra high resolution electron microscopes. This desktop SEM exceeds the resolution of optical microscopes and eliminates the expense, delay and difficulty associated with operating a traditional SEM. The Phenom SEM is a powerful tool for investigating biological or pharmaceutical samples, forensic analysis and material characterisation. Rapid examination of common engineering alloys (e.g. Al, Ti, Fe and Ni) can be performed in areas such as routine metallurgical analysis, quality control, failure analysis, and research studies.

With an integrated X-ray analysis system, sample structures can be physically examined and their elemental composition determined.

Static Image analysis. This is a particle image analyser designed for the automated analysis of

• Particle size: high resolution sizing from 0.5μm – 3000μm.
• Particle shape: to quantify subtle differences between samples which are not detectable by size-only.
• Particle count: every particle is measured which enables the system to detect foreign particles.

The Malvern Morphology enables hundreds of thousands of particles to be analysed with a single click of the mouse. The ability to see and record an image of every individual particle enables a visual verification of phenomena such as the presence of broken particles, agglomerates, fines, foreign particles etc. A novel fully integrated dry powder dispersion system reduces sample preparation times and significantly improves the repeatability of measurements.

Morphologi 4-ID integrates automated size/shape analysis of particles from 0.5 micron – 10 mm with chemical identification provided by Raman microscopy. It provides size, shape and chemical Identification. Unlike a traditional Raman microscope, the Morphologi 4-ID with Raman automatically targets individual particles.

Quantitative Phase Imaging (Ptychography)

The Livecyte is a unique imaging system for live cell analysis used to study cell functions and behaviour over long time courses. It can reveal the inner details of transparent structures without the need for staining or tagging. Application areas include immunological, neurobiological, cancer and basic cell biology research.

Based on Ptychographic Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) technology, individual cells and cell populations can be automatically tracked and analysed for phenotypic and kinetic behaviour over several hours or days.  High contrast images and videos can be generated which are artefact free and quantitative in the absence of labels or high intensity light imaging which can potentially disturb normal cell functions.

At ATA Scientific we sell innovative instruments from leading manufacturers in the particle, surface, life and material sciences. Our suppliers include some of the world’s most well-regarded companies such as Malvern Panalytical, Phenom World (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), Biolin Scientific, Avestin, Jasco, Precision Nanosystems and Phasefocus.

Our scientific instruments are used by Universities, the CSIRO and by companies in a range of different industries including the pharmaceutical, polymer, chemical and mining sectors. We also provide our clients with long term support to ensure they get the best out of our products and services. Over the past 28 years, ATA Scientific has provided a range of technical services including operator training, preventative maintenance and instrument breakdown repair.