Hitachi High-Technologies has introduced a double upgrade package for its popular F-4500 research grade rapid scanning spectrophotometer, with a new grating and improved software
The upgrade package allows existing users to benefit from the enhanced performance and ease of use offered by instruments currently in production.
The first upgrade is a modified grating for the optical system, and the second is the latest FL Solutions control software.
Existing users can choose to have either or both upgrades.
The optical system will incorporate a new mechanically ruled diffraction grating with a revised blaze angle, produced using Hitachi's own ruling engine.
The new grating reduces contributions from the monochromator to stray light and to instrumental noise.
The result is a 30% improvement in sensitivity as measured using the Raman peak of water.
The new grating may be replaced in the field.
The latest issue of Hitachi's FL Solutions control software provides exceptional flexibility of use, with custom designed toolbars and simplified analysis set-up routines.
FL Solutions is particularly useful in 3-D scanning experiments, where contour maps and excitation and emission spectra from any position on the scan can be displayed simultaneously.
Traditional contour maps can also be displayed alongside a 'bird's eye' view of the contour, showing the peaks and valleys.
F-4500 users should contact Hitachi with their instrument's serial number to confirm that the grating upgrade is appropriate.
