BRUKER NanoStar

Nanostar is equipped with a microfocus X-ray source with Cu radiation and a VÅNTEC-2000 Xenon-based gas detector. The longest sample to detector distance (160 cm) is used for high-resolution experiments while wide angle studies are also possible at short SDDs. The system uses a semi-transparent beam stop enabling perfect background subtraction and a high resolution for such a lab-based system.  

Application:

  • Polymers, particles and proteins in solution
  • Polymer films, membranes and fabrics
  • Mesoporous powders
  • Gels, self-assemblies and liquid crystalline materials
  • Nanoscale coated surfaces

Structural parameters:

  • Particles/proteins size, shape and interactions in solution
  • Characterisation of nano-domains and chain configuration in polymer systems
  • Porosity and internal morphology
  • Structures in lipid/peptide self-assemblies
  • Coated layer thicknesses and structure of molecular assemblies on the surfaces

Techniques:

  • Operation in transmission mode (SAXS) and reflection mode (GISAXS)
  • Possibility to switch between SAXS and WAXS modes by sample to detector distance (SDD) variation
  • Temperature scans (-20 to 150 °C)
  • In situ-tensile studies
  • Microfluidics-SAXS

Working principle:

We collaborate in the frame of national and international projects and support research inside and outside Empa based on mutual agreement and interest.

 

Contact:             tbd (St. Gallen), antonia.neels@empa.ch (Dübendorf)

 

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