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)