Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Thermo Scientific Hypulse Surface Analysis System, an instrument that reportedly improves accurate X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth-profiling, which is critical for materials scientists.

The Hypulse Surface Analysis System will enable scientists to develop surfaces across a range of industries to improve society—from advancing energy storage, to evolving medical implants, to enhancing fire protection. This new generation of XPS depth-profiling will allow researchers to extract more insights from surface samples and create better materials, according to Thermo Fisher Scientific. In the case of medical implants, for example, these insights can induce research that will help enhance coatings for better biocompatibility, longevity, and infection prevention.

Femtosecond Laser Technology: Insights Beyond the Surface

Thermo Scientific Hypulse Surface Analysis System is equipped with a novel material-removal method— femtosecond laser technology. This innovation allows researchers to preserve sample accuracy, accelerate data collection, and characterize more materials at greater depths.

“The femtosecond laser has many advantages,” said Professor Mark Baker, surface science and engineering at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. “First, it enables us to avoid chemical damage because it changes the material-removal mechanism from a ballistic process to an electrostatic process, allowing us to record the original, true composition in the profile. Second, we can record depth much quicker. The third advantage is that we now have the ability to vary energy in the laser, enabling us to profile to greater depths.”

“With Hypulse, we’ve retained our surface technology while pushing ourselves to meet customer needs of today and tomorrow,” added David Wall, vice president and general manager of Materials Science for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We’ve combined our proven MAGCIS ion source with the femtosecond laser, so that our customers can examine samples when ion beam technology is not suitable.”

With annual revenue over $40 billion, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. aims to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Its global team delivers a combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience, and pharmaceutical services through various brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.