Localized Photoelectrochemistry
The HEKA ELP 3 SPECM-Fl is an Electrochemical Probe Scanner with integrated inverted microscope optics with additional small spot illumination. It is tailored for localized photoelectrochemical experiments.
The HEKA ELP 3 SPECM-Fl system combines electrochemical scanning probe techniques, such as SECM and SMCM/SECCM with local illumination of the sample. The size of the light spot can be adjusted to a few micrometers and is therefore in the same size as the microelectrode. Alignment of microelectrode and light spot result in combination of localized measurements of photocurrents at the sample and the detection of reaction products at the microelectrode. This can give unique insights into photoactivity and reaction mechanisms.
The HEKA ElProScan is an integrated system, which allows control of all components including illumination systems by one software. This guarantees perfect synchronization.
The HEKA ElProScan is the only system which uses a unique Bipotentiostat with two assymetrical channels. Channel 1 has a current range between 20 nA up to 100 mA for photocurrent measurements at the sample. Channel 2 is equipped with a low current preamplifier for high-resolution low-noise recordings at the probe in the low pA range. Both channels can be used separately making it usable for many other electrochemical applications.
The HEKA ElProScan features a positioning system with a large travel range and a resolution in the nanometer range. High precision is achieved by closed-loop linear encoders.
The whole ElProScan system is controlled by our well established POTMASTER software and the embedded ElProScan extension. POTMASTER is a data acquisition program that provides sophisticated tools for waveform generation, data review and editing as well as online analysis.
Features:
- High precision positioning system with a combination of DC servo motors and piezo translator
- DC motors use linear encoders
- piezo translator is closed-loop controlled for precise height control of the probe
- Large travel and scan range in XYZ (100 mm/75 mm/50 mm) + Z-piezo (100µm)
- motor resolution XYZ 10 nm, 1.5 nm for Z-piezo.
- Real-time encoder based position control
- Time, position and electrochemical signals are synchronized
- Integrated inverse microscope
- motorized focus axis
- small spot illumination which can be aligned with the microelectrode
- Unique Bipotentiostat PG 618 USB for highest quality measurements of electrochemical signals
- preamplifier for low-current low-noise current recordings
- Powerful Software POTMASTER
- control and synchronization of external devices, such as an multi-wavelengths illumination system
- automatic tip down with threshold control, 2D scan in XYZ, 3D scan, matrix scan and template scan
- slope correction
- constant-height and constant-distance scans (using Shear Force Hopping or Surface Tracking, DC Hopping and z-modulated Hopping)
- Matrix Scan with freely programmable electrochemical methods
- freely programmable illumination pattern
- Individual potential programs with the programmable free waveform generator
- Supports state-of-the-art e-SPM Techniques:
- Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)
- Scanning Photoelectrochemical Microscopy (SPECM)
- Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM)
- Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM)
- Scanning Microcapillary Contact Method (SMCM)
- Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP)
- Simultaneous Surface Topography Mapping via Constant Distance Scan
- Shear-force-regulated Surface Tracking
- Spatially-resolved SECM synchronized with Micro-spectroscopy
Featured applications for ELP 3 SPECM-Fl
- Imaging of local activity of photoelectrocatalysts
- Study of concentration gradients above photoinduced antimicrobial properties of materials
- Investigation of photoreaction mechanisms by detection of reaction products
- Study of homogeneity of photocatalyst films (topography & activity)
- High-throughput screening of photocatalyst libraries
- Micropatterning of surfaces by local photodeposition
Other applications
- Real OCP-measurements of catalytic materials
- Imaging of local pH gradients
- Imaging of enzyme activity in biological membranes
- Imaging of exocytosis
- Surface investigation in organic and aqueous solutions under temperature control
- Metal deposition in the micrometer/nanometer scale (galvanic and electroless)
- Local deposition of conductive polymers on surfaces in organic or aqueous solvents
- Electrochemical Sensors
- Energy-related Materials and Devices
- Corrosion-related Materials and Processes
- Environmental Science and Nanotechnology
- Shear Force Unit
- Platinum Microdisk Electrodes
- Microscope Objectives
- Video Imaging System
- CCD Imaging System
- Fluorescence Excitation
- Light Sources
- Wavelength Switcher
- Vibration Isolation
- Electrical Shielding
- Elproscan Brochure
- ELP 3 Manual (available on request)
- SPECM Flyer