Thin solid films are typically applied as coatings (nanolayers) to provide functionality to everyday products from electronics and phone displays through batteries, solar cells and packaging to automotive components and door knobs. For instance, thin copper and silver films are used as antimicrobial coatings to maintain surfaces clean and sanitary. Ultrathin layers or nanoparticles of gold and silver are used for their plasmonic properties in future electronics and biosensors. Thin films of aluminum oxide are intended as barrier coatings for future food packaging. Nanocoatings are also used to tune optical properties of optical components as well as jewelry. Last but not least, novel carbon-based materials are entering the market in variety of fields.
Over recent years, the manufacturing processes have improved tremendously, thus saving amount of material needed to form a uniform coating. Therefore, thinner and thinner layers of coatings have to be analyzed and that often hits the limit of traditional methods. BioNavis applies plasmonics to provide reliable measurement of thickness and refractive index of nanolayers, their plasmonic properties and surface interactions.
Ultrathin layer thickness and refractive index: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) has been used for more than 20 years in drug discovery, utilizing thin metal layers for biosensing but not being able to determine their true thickness. With our novel configuration of Multi-Parametric Surface Plasmon Resonance (MP-SPR), we combine plasmonics to reach the Ångström level with goniometric setup similar to that of ellipsometer to extend the working range and multiple wavelengths similar to spectroscopic ellipsometry to define refractive index of each measured layers.
Composite properties: Another area are the composites. The mixtures are formed from nanoparticles of different sizes, size, charge. The properties of the final product are heavily influenced by the surface properties of the nanoparticles and hence their forces towards other nanoparticles. MP-SPR is a tool to design the nanoscale properties in order to control the final product.
Barrier coating quality: MP-SPR works in air as well as vapor and in liquids including solvents. It measures the dynamics of the process from dry to wet. It is easy to select the best barrier coating for solar cells, displays, food packaging or implants.
Lubricant adsorption: MP-SPR provides information on lubricant adsorption kinetics and layer quality.
The measurements are performed on model surfaces. We have a wide range of surfaces to choose from, or you can make them in your premises. We are glad to provide our expertise and measure your samples in our facilities.
See selected Application Notes to see that MP-SPR works:
Phone: +358102715030
email: info@bionavis.com
VAT: FI19880052
Copyright © 2016-2021
All Rights Reserved
