New Technologies
Lasers that can produce coherent infrared light in the 1–2 ?m wavelength range are essential in telecommunications, biomedical diagnosis and optical sensing.
Paint-on laser
Lasers that can produce coherent infrared light in the 1–2 μm wavelength range are essential in telecommunications, biomedical diagnosis and optical sensing. Such small lasers could provide new smaller sensitive detectors for chromatography.
This may now be possible as Ted Sargent (University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada) has created a new laser using colloidal quantum dots — nanometre-sized particles of semiconductor that are suspended in a solvent similar to particles in paint.
This laser could help keep feeding the information-hungry Internet generation. The laser's most remarkable feature is its simplicity. Dipping a miniature glass tube into the paint and then drying it with a hairdryer can make a laser. Once the right nanoparticles are made, the procedure takes about five minutes.
Image credit: TrevorJohnston.com University of Toronto
The microchip industry is looking for components that exist on the scale of transistors and are made of semiconductors, which would produce light when exposed to electrical current. With this development, it could be possible to use the electronics already found on microchips to power a laser that communicates within the chip itself.
Don't run out of charge
You are away from your lab talking about some important results on your mobile when the battery runs out. Now try and find a payphone. Today maybe the only one you can find is the Police telephone box in the popular TV series, Dr Who.
But a new device, Charge 2 Go, has come to the rescue. The device uses one AA battery to provide up to two hours of talk time on most mobile telephones.
Charge 2 Go offers connectors for phones by Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens and Sony-Ericsson.
Insert an AA battery and connect the device to your mobile. A red light-emitting diode flashes, indicating that it is charging. A chip inside the Charge 2 Go converts a 1.5 V alkaline battery into a 3.7 V, 380 mA current for your mobile.
Charge 2 Go relies on AA batteries, which are available worldwide or small enough to carry as a spare, so this battery problem should be solved.
So the next time you travel you can even leave the bulky charger at home as this device easily fits into your pocket.
Now let's tackle the other problem of the batteries in my portable PC running out. Well I understand the company is looking into this and expects to be able to offer a device for iPods, and other hand-held devices soon.
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ions used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
Liquid Chromatography to Analyze Vitamin D Proteins in Psoriasis Patients
January 21st 2025Can a protein involved in delivering Vitamin D to target tissues have an altered serum profile in psoriasis patients with cardiovascular disease? Researchers used liquid chromatography (LC) to help find out.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
A Guide To Finding the Ideal Syringe and Needle
January 20th 2025Hamilton has produced a series of reference guides to assist science professionals in finding the best-suited products and configurations for their applications. The Syringe and Needle Reference Guide provides detailed information on Hamilton Company’s full portfolio of syringes and needles. Everything from cleaning and preventative maintenance to individual part numbers are available for review. It also includes selection charts to help you choose between syringe terminations like cemented needles and luer tips.
