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VSC-STYLUS Constant Distance SECM

VSC STYLUS is a soft-probe SECM technique for constant-distance imaging


   
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  • Highlights +


    • STYLUS is developed and supplied through exclusive partnership with SENSáSION, EPFL
    • Eliminates many of the experimental difficulties of Approach Curves and changing probe-to-sample distance that are associated with standard SECM techniques
  • Overview +


    VersaSCAN Scanning Electrochemical Workstation
    The VersaSCAN Scanning Electrochemical Workstation is a single platform capable of providing spatial resolution to both electrochemical and materials-based measurements.  This system integrates a positioning system, measurement instrumentation and probe to provide local information.  Traditional electrochemical experiments measure an average response over the entire electrode, electrolyte interface.  Rarely is a sample homogenous.  Samples often consist of local sites of passivate or active nature and sites of anodic or cathodic character.  This need to investigate localized phenomenon led to the emergence of scanning probe electrochemistry.

    Positioning System:

    • VersaSCAN is unique in the use of piezoelectric motors to drive the stages on all axes.
    • Piezos are materials that move with very high precision, accuracy, repeatability but over small distances.  We use them to drive stages; therefore we reach a combination of scan area and scan resolution that is unmatched.
    • AFMs do not move with the same scan range (usually piezo-element only; without the stage)
    • Alternative positioning system designs use step motors, exclusive or as a basis for a hybrid system, and cannot move with the same resolution.

    System Installation and Training:

    This is full ‘white-glove’ service. An experienced team member arrives on site – unpacked the instrumentation, assembles, levels the system.  A developed checkout procedure is executed on a test sample to verify the system (installation).  The fundamentals of the technique are covered.  The users are trained to execute the same test (training).

    Multi-Technique platform
    :

    The VersaSCAN platform offers the ability to leverage the positioning system and software as common components for other scanning probe techniques.  The best-in-class measurement characteristics of AMETEK equipment combines with this unique positioning system for high-resolution measurements even at large areas.

  • Applications and Software +


    Applications and Software

    In collaboration with SENSàSION, we are pleased to offer the Soft Stylus Probe contact mode technique developed by Professor Hubert Girault and co-workers of the Laboratory of Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (LEPA) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) for constant distance SECM. The probe technology offers the following benefits:

    • Constant distance SECM: SECM imaging without major topographic artifacts. Ideal for tilted, corrugated and rough samples.
    • Soft contact with sample: with a contact force up to 1000 times less than hard probe technology, soft probes are ideal for studying biological samples in constant distance mode SECM.
    • Low cost: no need for additional hardware and special feedback control electronics to control vertical position of the probe with respect to the sample.  Lowest cost constant distance SECM method available on the market
    • Faster measurements: no need to measure topography before SECM scans. Fast approach curve to find the sample surface.
    • Flexible and stable Probes: no risk of damaging the probe or sample during positioning and scanning.
    • Small tip-to-substrate distance is easily achieved, greatly enhancing contrast imaging and improving image resolution.
    • Easy Electrode Preparation: The tip of the electrodes can be cut after each use ensuring a clean surface. Replacement probes can be purchased.
  • Brochure, Manuals, Guides +

  • Differentiated Specifications +


    VersaSCAN Positioning System

     Specifications  VersaSCAN Base (VS-BASE)
    Positioning System Range X-axis:  100 mm
    Y-axis:  100 mm 
    Z-axis:  100 mm 
    Positioning Motor Technology X-axis:  Piezoelectric motors,
               no stepper-motor
    Y-axis:  Piezoelectric motors,
               no stepper-motor
    Z-axis:  Piezoelectric motors,
               no stepper-motor 

    STYLUS Measurement Technology


     Specifications VersaSTAT3A (V3A) /
    VersaSTAT3 (V3)
    VersaSTAT4A (V4A) /
    VersaSTAT4 (V4)
    VersaSTAT3F
    Compliance Voltage  ±12 V  ±12 V  ±12 V
    Max Current Output  ±2 A ±2 A  ±2 A
    Min Current Range ± 200 nA (6 pA resolution)  ± 4 nA (122 fA resolution)

    ± 4 nA (122 fA resolution)

    Low Current Option  ±4 pA (122 aA)  ±4 pA (122 aA)  ±4 pA (122 aA)
    Data Acquisition 100 kS/s  500 kS/s  500 kS/s 
    EIS Capability 1 MHz, Option  1 MHz, Option  1 MHz, Option 
    E and I Filters  200 kHz to 1 kHz,
     including None
     200 kHz to 1 Hz,
     including None
     200 kHz to 1 Hz,
     including None
    Isolation V3A: Floating, Isolated

    V3: Grounded, Earthed

    V4A: Floating, Isolated

    V4: Grounded, Earthed

     Floating, Isolated

    External 20A Booster

    Supplied with V3,

    not available with V3A

    Supplied with V4,

    not available with V4A

     
  • Options +


    Description Model Number
    Replacement STYLUS probes  1107001
       
    Replacement Ag/AgCl reference electrode for VS-MLCELL and SDC  233795
    Replacement Pt wire counter electrode for VS-MLCELL and SDC  233917 
       
    Complete Video Camera Assembly
    VS-CAM
       
    Small cell for VersaSCAN systems (~ 7 mL) VS-MLCELL 

     
    Large cell for VersaSCAN systems (~ 1 L)  VS-LCELL
  • Accessories +


     
    1107001 Soft Probe
    1107001 Soft Probe

    Soft Probe is a highly flexible SECM probe with fixed probe-to-
    sample distance for measurements with uneven surface.
    Keep Reading
     
    VersaCAM
     VSC-CAM  VersaCAM

    VersaCAM includes a high-definition camera, a 10X lens,
    an 8-inch color TFT display and a flexible tripod
    for all VersaSCAN techniques. Keep Reading
     
    VSC - LCELL
     VSC-LCELL VersaSCAN L-Cell

    VersaSCAN L-Cell is designed to accept large flat samples and
    32mm diameter mounted samples for all VersaSCAN techniques.
    Keep Reading
     
    VSC - MLCELL
     VSC-MLCELL VersaSCAN mL-Cell

    VersaSCAN mL-Cell accepts 32 mm diameter mounted samples
    and non-standard samples for low- volume applications.
    Keep Reading

  • Video +

    Watch video demonstrations of the VSC-STYLUS Constant Distance SECM

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