Accessories

The high resolution CCD optics was developed by Spectruma as an alternative to established photomultiplier optics. It is based on a Paschen-Runge mounting optimized for CCD-detectors and has a focal length of 400 mm. The available wavelength range is 120-670 nm in the direct light path, and 200-800 nm when the light is transmitted by optical fibers. The resolution is below 20 pm. Due to the almost completely readable spectrum this high resolution CCD optics achieves enormous flexibility in the simultaneous detection of the available element lines. Thus, the operator can effortlessly extend the element program as desired. 

 Not every sample displays a standard geometry with a flat surface. To address this problem, Spectruma developed the so-called Universal Sample Unit (USU). The USU is optionally available for all of our Glow Discharge Analyzers (regardless whether they are equipped with PMT or CCD optics). There are USUs for electrically conductive (DC-mode) and non-conductive (RF-mode) materials. The USU can be equipped with different, easily interchangeable adapters allowing for the analysis of curved, cylindrical and otherwise extraordinarily shaped samples. For instance, Spectruma offers adapters especially for wires with thicknesses between 0.9 and 3 mm.
Moreover, the use of the Universal Sample Unit enables measurements with the 1-mm-set, so very small samples can be analyzed. Also, the USU is recommended for the analysis of very thin samples (<100 µm), which might be prone to mechanical stress introduced by the vacuum. 

 In case of particularly sensitive or highly oxidizable materials contact with atmospheric air is undesirable, so they should be handled and stored under a protective atmosphere, only. For this purpose Spectruma developed the transfer chamber. Sensitive samples can be placed and sealed in the transfer chamber under inert gas conditions inside a glove box. The transfer chamber containing the sample is then mounted to the cathode plate. The shutter of the chamber is not opened until the evacuation process sets in. So it can be ensured that the sample has little or no contact with air.
The transfer chamber is also suitable for the analysis of porous materials. 

 The newly developed External Plasma Igniter facilitates plasma ignition and is particularly suitable for the analysis of materials, which are difficult to excite. Usually, such materials do not provide enough charge carriers for a self-sustained discharge. Using the External Plasma Igniter, the plasma ignition is artificially generated by ejecting electrons into the sample room. This causes, inter alia, a successful plasma ignition even at very low voltage or power.
Also polished surfaces can easily be analyzed by means of the External Plasma Igniter. 

 The sample changer, specially developed for the Spectruma Glow Discharge Analyzers, allows for the automated performance of measurements. It is intended to be a supplementary tool for production optimization. Many samples (depending on the sample size) can be analyzed without the presence of operating personnel. The number of samples measured in a row can individually be programmed and the automatic cleaning of the measuring systems is included. 

 Using the external cooling device, accurate results on heat sensitive or very thin samples are possible. The external cooling device is highly efficient in keeping a constant sample temperature. It is recommended for the analysis of heat sensitive and/or thin samples, but also for common depth profile measurements lasting longer than approximately 500 seconds. 

 Unlike polychromators, monochromators are used to select a single wavelength of an emission spectrum at a time.

The monochromator used by Spectruma exhibits a Czerny-Turner-configuration and has a focal length of 480 mm. It can be equipped with three different diffraction gratings covering a spectral wavelength range from 200 to 900 nm. A special photomultiplier ensures optimum sensitivity over the entire wavelength range. The monochromator is fully integrated into the software WinGDOES by Spectruma. Thus, up to five additional element channels can be used in bulk analysis mode or whole spectra can be recorded and evaluated.