SECM150.

A powerful Electrochemistry workstation used for measuring the local activity of samples

Scanning ElectroChemical Microscopy (SECM) is a Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) technique, which measures the local activity of a sample. Unlike other SPM techniques the local activity of SECM shows chemical selectivity due to its use of a redox mediator. SECM is the most popular Scanning Probe Electrochemistry technique. As with other techniques in this family SECM it can be used to gain further insight into the electrochemistry occurring at the bulk level. SECM differs from other Scanning Probe Electrochemistry techniques because it does not have an activity requirement. As a result, SECM can measure anything from a fully insulating to a fully conducting sample, making it applicable to a wide range of systems.

The SECM150 represents a new standard for fundamental SECM. It has been designed for constant height dc-SECM measurements. All of its components from the PU51 potentiostats to the scanning stage have been optimized for these measurements. Therefore the SECM150 is capable of achieving high-resolution measurements, even of dynamic samples.

Anything of interest electrochemically is a potential candidate for SECM measurements. The high resolution of the SECM150 makes it ideal for the measurement of biological samples. This is particularly the case when the biological system under study is dynamic. Relatively flat samples are well-suited to measurement by the SECM150, including those in fields such as batteries and materials. It is also the perfect candidate when performing kinetics studies which require the probe approach curves, followed by cyclic voltammetry at the sample surface.

Overview: A compact SECM built for high-resolution imaging

• Small footprint
• x, y stage separate from z stage to reduce interactions
• Fast enough for dynamic samples

Compact

The SECM150 is the smallest SECM available from Bio-Logic. The scanning stage has a footprint of only 22.5 cm x 35.5 cm. This is all achieved without compromising on instrument performance. The compact size of the SECM150 makes it ideal for laboratories with limited space. Furthermore, its compact size makes it perfect for use in gloveboxes, fumehoods, and Faraday cages.

Scanning optimized for high-resolution SECM

The scanning stage of the SECM150 has been designed specifically for high-resolution SECM measurements. Fine positioning for all three axes is performed using piezo scanning stages. These piezo stages are used in all SECM experiment types, including probe approach curves, and area scans. By using piezo positioning the SECM150 can achieve a positioning resolution better than 10 nm to achieve high-resolution images. These measurements can be achieved without artifacts from the scanning stage. The z-axis is mounted separately to the x,y scanning stage. This separation avoids detrimental crosstalk between the axes during scanning. The coarse movement of the system is achieved with lockable micrometers. After coarse positioning, the micrometers can be locked in place to avoid drift in the system, which can otherwise distort high-resolution measurements. Finally, scanning can be performed at a rate of up to 20 points/s. This scan rate allows measurements of even changing samples to be performed.

Experiment design through sequencing

The ability to perform non-standard experiments is important in some applications. Through the SECM150 software, users have the ability to design their own experiments through the sequencing tool. This tool allows users to sequence and run all experiment types available including chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, line scans, and area scans. At the completion of each experiment the software will automatically save the data before moving to the next step. Experiments can even be sequenced with logic steps in between allowing for probe movements, delays, and looping of experimental sequences.

SECM150 Software

The SECM150 software provides unique capabilities and interactivity in support of the SECM150 nanometer-resolution scanning electrochemical microscope. This user-friendly software includes a wide range of powerful features including:

• Manipulate, enhance and analyze data. and interactivity.
• Facilitate research with automated measurements and sequencing.

Seven discrete experiments provided throughout, each with their own individual variations such as:

• Step Scan
• Pre-Delays, Line-Delays, Velocities, Step Sizes, Scan Dimensions, Signal Conditioning Parameters, Control Loop Parameters, Potentiostat Setting etc.

The Software provides 64bit Windows^TM support in a standard Multiple Document Interface (MDI) application that supports all standard Windows^TM features.