Q-Sense six optional modules all fit in both the Q-Sense E1 and the Q-Sense E4 system and are available as separate units. This modular structure enables you to create a QCM-D system for your own specific needs.
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Electrochemistry Module The Q-Sense Electrochemistry Module, QEM 401, allows simultaneous QCM-D electrochemistry or QCM-D / EIS measurements. The design enables flow measurements, which is important for well controlled experiments. Also, the module will withstand the harsh conditions necessary for some electrochemistry applications. The compact design makes it possible to use up to four modules simultaneously on the Q-Sense E4 system and it also fits our Q-Sense E1 system. The QCM-D sensor doubles as a working electrode for electrochemistry measurements. A platinum counter-electrode also acting as top wall of the chamber reduces the volume above the sensor to about 100 μl. A no-leak Ag/AgCl reference electrode is included and is fixed in the outlet flow channel. Besides the electrodes, Viton® (o-rings) and Teflon® (flow channels inside the module) are the only additional materials exposed to liquid. QEM 401 is delivered with all necessary accessories including cables and fittings. The QEM 401 is compatible with most potentiostats. |
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Ellipsometry Module The Q-Sense Ellipsometry Module is a module that fits in the Q-Sense E1 system, and enables simultaneous QCM-D and ellipsometric measurements on the same substrate. Both QCM-D and ellipsometric measurements are conducted in situ in the flow and temperature controlled chamber. As the complexity of the studied systems increases, one technique alone can sometimes not provide all desired insight. Multitechnique approaches provide complementary information, and can in those cases give a more complete analysis. Therefore, merging several techniques into the same setup and monitoring events on the same surface is a promising approach. |
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Flow Module This standard Q-Sense flow module is included with the E1 (one module) and E4 (four modules) instruments. Q-Sense flow modules are made of aluminium and titanium and the o-rings and sealing are made of viton. More chemically resistant materials are available upon request. Liquid samples only come into contact with titanium and viton during experimentation. Additionally, the flow modules can be completely disassembled, allowing thorough cleaning of the module components, for instance in an ultrasonic bath. Additional flow modules are available to reduce the risk of contamination in a multi-user environment and thus improve reproducibility and reliability. |
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Humidity Module The humidity module is an optional module compatible with both the Q-Sense E1 and E4 systems. The module has a GORE TM* membrane above the sensor crystal which means that the surface will be exposed to air with a specific relative humidity. By using different saturated salt solutions above the membrane, the relative humidity above the sensor can be altered. The technical design enables measurements of vapor uptake and release from thin films coated on the sensor. Measurements are conducted in two steps; first your film of interest is applied to the sensor by, for example, spin-coating. In the next step, the coated sensor is placed in the chamber and vapor uptake or release is measured. A typical application is to measure swelling of polymer or cellulose films. |
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Open Module The open module is an optional module compatible with both the Q-Sense E1 and Q-Sense E4 systems. It is designed to enable pipetting of sample directly to the sensor surface in order to minimize sample use.One application example is the measurement of bulk viscocity which can be calculated directly in Q-Sense analysis software by looking at the frequency and dissipation responses while going from air to liquid.The open module comes with a lid to avoid evaporation of samples and to improve measurement stability.
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Window Module Q-Sense systems have an optional window module which provides simultaneous optical access to the sensor surface. The window module is compatible with both the Q-Sense E1 and Q-Sense E4 systems. When the window module is used in the single sensor E1 chamber, the compact design also enables microscopy studies of reactions on the sensor.
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