QCM-Z500

Measures changes in adsorbed film

mass
viscoelastic properties

Attachments for simultaneous

microscopy
ellipsometry
electrochemistry

5 overtones

Full analysis software

Measurement of f, D, Q, R, L, C allows impedence analysis

Additional info

Download Brochure (pdf)

QCM Background Information (pdf)

QCM Application Notes

Instrument Parts/Modules

Terms explained

QCM

Multifrequency Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Impedance Monitoring, QCM-Z500

The QCM-Z, based on impedance analysis, provides unique information on changes in the mass and viscoelastic properties of adsorbed or deposited layers on a quartz crystal. The mass change is proportional to the change in resonance frequency and any viscoelastic behavior is revealed by the change in electrical resistance. Measurement at several harmonic (overtone) frequencies facilitate calculation of complex viscoelastic parameters. Importantly, the change in so-called "dissipation" (ΔD) often discussed in the scientific literature, can be easily calculated from the measured data.

Applications

Multifrequency QCM has found use in many areas of academic and industrial research, including surface chemistry, polymer and biotechnology research, biomaterials, cell adhesion and gas adsorption, just to name a few. A few examples are illustrated below. For further information about the instrument, FAQs and application notes, refer to the "Additional Info" box in the left-hand menu.

Measurement Examples


Concanavilin A interacting with a glucose coated crystal	CTAB adsorbing reversibly onto silica	Voltammetric cycling on a copper coating	Langmuir Blodgett deposition of stearic acid on gold	Determining bulk viscosity with QCM-Z500

Basic System Description

Highly sensitive multi-frequency Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) based on impedance analysis, capable of measuring real time frequency and resistance changes in ultrathin layers. The QCM-Z500 is constructed in modules, allowing you to choose the parts you need for your particular system. A full list of parts/modules can be found in the "Additional Info" box in the left-hand menu.

Configuration Includes

Electronics unit - all necessary electronics for impedance analysis, and link between the measuring chamber and PC
Optional measuring chambers
- Flow cell - stagnant point flow profile
- Window cell - parallel plate flow profile, attachments for ellipsometry and electrochemical measurements
Optional temperature controller (QCM501)
Software - Complete software for data acquisition and basic analysis. A range of measured parameters (f, D, Δf, ΔD, Q, R, L, C etc) can be plotted on the PC screen in real time. The Browse section can be used for creating different plots or calculating basic conventional parameters from the measured data
5 Au-coated quartz sensor crystals

Specifications
Frequency range		0.1 to 55 MHz
Frequency resolution		0.01 Hz
Mass resolution, 5 MHz crystal (Sauerbrey)		0.177 ng/cm²
Resistance resolution (Dissipation)		0.01 Ohm (1x10^-9) *
Working temperature		10 to 60�C
Active sensor area		~ 20 mm²
Maximum mass load		~ 0.1 mg/cm²
Maximum film thickness		~ 10 μm (depends on the softness of the material)
Computer Interface		RJ-45 (Ethernet)
Voltage		100 to 250 VAC (45-65 Hz)
Maximum sensitivity in liquid (5 MHz crystal)
1 datapoint / 6 seconds (25�C)		0.05 Hz, corresponds to 0.9 ng/cm²
1 datapoint / second (25�C)		0.2 Hz, corresponds to 3.5 ng/cm²
8 datapoints / second (25�C)		0.5 Hz, corresponds to ~ 9 ng/cm²

* This Resistance (R) measuring resolution corresponds to a Dissipation resolution of about
1x10^-9. This resolution is several orders of magnitude better than actually needed as the changes in Dissipation values in liquid environment normally lies in the range of a few 10^-6.

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Parts/Modules