QSenseTM instruments enable real-time measurement of mass and viscoelastic properties at surfaces, allowing for quantification of molecular adsorption, desorption, and structural properties.
Use QSense QCM-D to find out:
QSense Quartz Crystal Microbalances with Dissipation enable analysis of molecular interactions and surface properties in real-time. Based on established and powerful quartz crystal microbalance technology, QSense gives you vast exploration and experimentation capabilities making it easy for you to find answers to your research questions.
The unique dissipation parameter is obtained under non-voltage conditions. With this technique, you can obtain accurate measurements faster for a wide range of samples, including aqueous as well as organic solvent systems.
Key Features of the QSense Instruments
World Leader in Analyzing Molecular Interactions
The quartz crystal microbalances from Biolin Scientific have earned trust in labs all over the world. With more than 2000 publications worldwide, QSense has enabled the analysis of interfaces, thin-films, and molecular interactions. Through long-term development and experience, the advanced measurement techniques of these instruments have earned a reputation of precision in several industries.
QSense Models
QSense Pro
Fully automated for large scale analysis
QSense Analyzer
Fast sample processing at high quality
QSense Explorer
Versatile and modular for quantification at research laboratories
QSense Initiator
The superior QCM with Dissipation monitoring technology
Compare Models
| QSense Model | Pro | Analyzer | Explorer | Initiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors and sample handling system | ||||
| Number of Sensors | 8 (4 parallel in flow) | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Volume above each sensor | ~ 15 μl | ~ 40 μl | ~ 40 μl | ~ 40 μl |
| Minimum sample volume | ~ 50 μl | ~ 200 μl | ~ 200 μl | ~ 200 μl |
| Working temperature ± 0.02 *A | 4-70 °C | 15-65 °C | 15-65 °C | 20-45 °C |
| Minimum dispense volume | 1μl* | – | – | – |
| Sensors | Gold, SiO2, Ti and other metals, oxides, nitrides, steels, glasses, polymers, etc. | Gold, SiO2, Ti and other metals, oxides, nitrides, steels, glasses, polymers, etc. | Gold, SiO2, Ti and other metals, oxides, nitrides, steels, glasses, polymers, etc. | Gold, SiO2, Ti and other metals, oxides, nitrides, steels, glasses, polymers, etc. |
| Measurement Characteristics | ||||
| Time resolution | > 100 data points per second | > 100 data points per second | > 100 data points per second | 2 data points per second |
| Maximum mass sensitivity in liquid | ~ 0.5 ng/cm2 C | ~ 0.5 ng/cm2 C | ~ 0.5 ng/cm2 C | – |
| Normal mass sensitivity in liquid | ~ 1.8 ng/cm2 F | ~ 1.8 ng/cm2 F | ~ 1.8 ng/cm2 E | ~ 1.8 ng/cm2 |
| Maximum dissipation sensitivity in liquid | ~ 0.04 x 10-6 C | ~ 0.04 x 10-6 C | ~ 0.04 x 10-6 C | – |
| Normal dissipation sensitivity in liquid | ~ 0.1 x 10-6 F | ~ 0.1 x 10-6 F | ~ 0.1 x 10-6 E | ~ 0.1 x 10-4 |
| Software | ||||
| Analysis software | QSense Dfind | QSense Dfind | QSense Dfind | – |
| Output parameters | Frequency, dissipation, modeled values of mass, thickness, and viscoelasticity. | Frequency, dissipation, modeled values of mass, thickness, and viscoelasticity. | Frequency, dissipation, modeled values of mass, thickness, and viscoelasticity. | Frequency, dissipation, Sauerbrey mass |
| Import/export | Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT | Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT | Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT | Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT |
| Hardware | ||||
| Electronics unit (HxWxL in cm) | 70x67x57 | 18x36x21 | 18x36x21 | 18x36x21 |
| Chamber (HxWxL in cm) | 70x67x57 | 12x23x34 | 5x10x15 | 5x10x15 |
A The temperature stability depends on variations in how the ambient temperature affects the warming or cooling of the chamber.
B Smallest sample volume to pick up and dispense. Note that the smallest volume needed for measurement is 50 µl.
C Data from one sensor in single frequency mode. One data point collected every 5 seconds. The Sauerbrey relation is assumed to be valid.
E Data from multiple frequency modes (all harmonics). Four data points are collected within 1 second. The Sauerbrey relation is assumed to be valid.
F Data from all sensors in multiple frequency modes (all harmonics) are collected within 1 second. The Sauerbrey relation is assumed to be valid.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
QSense DFind
QSense DFind is the reliable and easy-to-use analysis software from QSense. It helps you to quickly and simply extract the information you are looking for, such as mass, thickness, viscoelastic properties, and adsorption rates.
Key Features of QSense DFind Software
All data treatment and analysis tools in one unified program
QSense DFind is a comprehensive analysis program with an intuitive graphical interface that helps users efficiently quantify, compile, and compare data throughout experiments. DFind simplifies the process from raw data reviewing, through modeling, to the information extraction, and the final report.
Exploit the full potential of the information in your data
QSense Dfind helps you unveil and extract all the relevant information embedded in your data. In addition to the software assisted modelling of mass and viscoelastic parameters, QSense Dfind supports a range of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.
Analyze all your data in one go
Equipped with a powerful analysis engine, QSense DFind boosts efficiency by enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple data sets. Use DFind to organize projects, share favorite templates with colleagues, and keep track of important experiments and tools.
A QCM-D Sensor for every application
To purchase QSensors please visit our webstore:
Our quality – your research success
QSense takes pride in the extensive range of high quality sensors developed and produced in our world class in-house facilities. When you buy QSensors, they are quality tested to ensure reliability and quality guaranteed for QCM-D studies.
Get the most out of your time spent planning and executing experiments.
Our wide range – your possibilities
QSense standard collection of QSensors contains a wide range of materials such as basic elements, polymers, steels, functional surfaces, and much more to accommodate your application needs.
Find the right sensor for your application – from molecular and medical sciences, to environmental sciences, oil and gas, and detergent and cleaning research.
QSensors & Add-Ons
Read more about the full range of QSense Modules and QSensors.
Explore the list of coating materials to discover your research possibilities.
QSensor Specifications
| Category | QSensor Specification |
|---|---|
| Basic Elements | Aluminum, cobolt, chromium, copper, Gold, Iridium, Magnesium, Molybdenum, nickel, Palladium, Platina, Silica, Silver, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, Zirconium |
| Oxide | Silicon dioxide, rough Silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, Iron oxides, Zirconium Silver oxide, Magnesium oxide, titanium dioxide, Indium-tin oxide. |
| Nitrides | Tantalum nitride, Silicon nitride, titanium nitride |
| Carbides | Iron carbide, Silicon oxycarbide, Silicon carbide |
| Sulfides | Copper sulfide, Iron sulfide, nickel sulfide, Zinc sulfide |
| Polymers | Polystyrene, amorphous flouropolymer 1600 (teflon® like), nylon, Polyethyleneterephtalate, Polyurethane, Polymethylmetacrylate, Polyvinylidenediflouride, Polyiminoethylene |
| Functionalized | Biotin, His-tag capturing |
| Glasses | Borosilicate, Soda-lime, Lead |
| Steels & Alloys | SS2343, L605 Steel, SS2348, cobalt-chromium-tungsten-nickel-manganese alloy, nickel-chromium alloy |
| Other | Hydroxyapatite, au with ti-adhesion, cellulose, aluminum silicate, Barium titanate, calcium phosphate, aluminum silicate, rough Gold, calcium carbonate. |
| Sensor Specifications | |
| Frequency | 4.95 MHz +/- 50 kHz |
| Cut | AT |
| Electrode Layer | 40 nm – 1 μm |
| Size | Diameter: 14 mm, thickness: 0.3 mm |
| Finish | Optically polished, surface roughness of electrode less than 3 nm (RMS) |
QSense System Modules
Flow Module
Ideal for standard liquid-based mass sensing measurements
Teflon Flow Module
Suitable for when reagents or molecules are sensitive to interactions with titanium
Open Module
Designed to enable pipetting of sample directly onto the sensor surface
Humidity Module
Measures vapor uptake and release from thin films coated on the sensor
QSense Simultaneous Technique Enabling Modules
Electrochemistry Module
Allows simultaneous QCM-D electrochemistry or QCM-D/EIS measurements
Electrochemistry Window Module
Combine QCM-D & EQCM-D with microscopy, or perform light-sensitive EC experiments combined with QCM-D
Window Module
Enables experiments with UV-induced reactions and combination with fluorescence detectors
Ellipsometry Module
Enables simultaneous QCM-D and ellipsometric measurements on the same substrate
High Temperature Chamber
Allows for stagnant or flow measurements at an extended temperature interval up to 150 ºC
ALD Holder
Enables QCM-D measurements at pressures different from the ambient gas phase
Explore Real-life Conditions
QSense provides a unique solution for you to understand the surface interactions of oil components, additives and other relevant chemicals in real-time.
QSense High Pressure gives you the additional possibility to explore more with experiments closer to real-life conditions. Whether you are struggling to increase oil yield, prevent fouling of pipes, or find an optimal lubricant for engines, it is valuable to understand your processes better.
With QSense High Pressure you can make smarter decisions based on information about the real-life surface interaction processes.
Features
Applications
Flow Assurance: Prevent Fouling
Fouling and clogging of pipes can be a costly problem. Added chemicals are commonly used for flow assurance.
Examine fouling processes to find methods or additives to minimize the problem. Use carbon steel sensors to mimic the surface of pipelines and study adsorption and release of crude oil/asphaltenes under different conditions. Experiment with chemical composition, surface material, prressure and temperature.
Oil Recovery: Enhanced Oil Recovery
Extraction of oil from underground reservoirs or tar sands require carefully considered process conditions. Use scientific analysis to find your way to optimize.
The use of polymers and surfactants can change the viscosity of the injected water and the wettability of the rock to dissolve oil from the mineral. Measure the adsorption of polymers or surfactants and the release of oil from a mineral sensor to optimize your chemical solutions and increase your yield. Less surfactants used gives a more environmentally friendly solution and reduces costs.
Oil Recovery: Bitumen Liberation
Extracting bitumen from oil sands can be difficult. A silica sensor coated with bitumen can simulate the oil sand and enable analysis of the bitumen liberation process.
Study the bitumen detachment to find the optimal conditions of e.g. pH and temperature to maximize the recovery.
Fuels and Lubricants: Optimize Engine Lubricants
Lubricants are used in numerous applications to control friction and increase the lifespan of moving parts. These fluids consist of a variety of surface active chemistries competing for the surface.
Understanding the nature of adsorption of surface active chemicals is key to finding a well-balanced lubricant. Study the effect of fuel and lubricant additives in engines with a stainless steel sensor. Observe the adsorption in real-time to find the delicate balance of chemicals for optimal performance.
| Category | QSense High Pressure Chamber Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of sensors | 1 |
| Minimum sample volume | ~50 μl |
| Temperature range, +/- 0.02 °C | 4 – 150 °C |
| Pressure range | 90 – 200 bar |
| Time resolution | 0.005 s |
| Harmonics | 7 |
| Quantification of mass, viscoel. prop | Yes |
| Learn More | View full specifications |