BluQCM QSD

Featuring dissipation and multiple overtone measurement capacity, the system is the latest addition to Bio-Logic’s BluQCM product line. Bio-Logic’s BluQCM product line now replies to scientists’ every need, through a range of powerful multi and single channel quartz crystal measuring devices.

BluQCM QSD’s advanced dissipation measurement capability makes it suitable for a vast array of applications including biosensors

BluQCM QSD: driven by user need.

The starting point for the BluQCM QSD originated in feedback given to Bio-Logic’s Sales & Marketing teams. Users had told us that although they enjoyed the benefits of the multi-channel QMD system, which is suitable for carrying out multi-sample, parallel measurements at the same temperature, they needed an instrument with both increased sensitivity and a reduced laboratory footprint.

The result was Bio-Logic’s BluQCM QSD a new quartz crystal microbalance system with dissipation measurement capability.  The instrument demonstrates high-levels of flexibility, making it ideal for both electrochemically-driven mass-weighing applications (electroplating/corrosion, electrode modifications) and the more advanced studies of solid/liquid interfaces (interface rheology, bio-molecular interactions).

Capable of working across a wide variety of applications, BluQCM QSD’s versatility is made possible by advanced dissipation measurements and frequency measurements at multiple harmonics. Simultaneous measurements can be performed of up to seven overtones (fundamental included) enabling a complete determination of layers’ properties. Measurements in air, gas and liquid are possible with a wide range of acoustic sensors (low and high-fundamental frequency QCM sensors and LOVE-SAW sensors).

A remote cell station helps give the device its compact footprint and enables use in glove boxes. Furthermore, an optional temperature control unit (QSD-TCU) is available for enhanced stability and a Flow Control Unit (QSD-FCU) allows comfortable, semi-automatic fluid exchange and sample loading on top of the electrode, thereby increasing the instrument’s modularity. In addition, a fast acquisition rate is indispensable for monitoring fast kinetics and electrochemical transients, further enhancing mass resolution.

At a glance…

• Dissipation measurement: Ensures correct mass calculation
• Multiple overtones: For a comprehensive understanding of the interface’s rheological properties
• Fast acquisition rate: Improved time resolution and mass sensitivity
• Modular system: Temperature Control Unit and Flow Control Unit available separately
• Space saving, compact footprint: Suitable for use in glove-boxes

Centralised management of the system: One interface for all devices

As well as connecting to ancillary instruments such as the TCU and FCU, the BluQCM is also compatible with Bio-Logic’s VMP-300 family of Potentiostat/Galvanostats.  Such a system can determine the ratio of mass deposited on or dissolved on/from electrodes during electrochemical reactions in relation to total charge (for the analysis of electrochemically produced species).

A single interface controls the potentiostat/galvanostats, QSD microbalance as well as the TCU and FCU if necessary – facilitating the user experience and improving reproducibility.

Based on a modular approach this state-of-the art microbalance can be fitted to both Bio-Logic potentiostat/galvanostats and ancillary bolt-on products such as the TCU (temperature control unit) and FCU (flow control unit).