High-sensitivity microvolume UV absorption spectrometry for routine analysis of small-volume biological samples.

Substantial improvement of microvolume UV absorption spectrometry in sensitivity, robustness and ease of operation was achieved for routine biological applications. A unique microtubing-based absorption cell (208 μm internal diameter) featuring enhanced light transmission with a liquid core waveguide technique provided dramatically enhanced absorption sensitivity, proportional to the extended path length (50 mm, from the typical 1 mm), while robust measurement performance was attained by implementation of preventive measures against bubble trapping along the light path. For plasmid DNA, absorbance at 260 nm was reliably measurable down to 0.

A position-controllable external stage for critical dimension measurements via low-noise atomic force microscopy.

An independent external stage for low noise atomic force microscope has been developed for mid-range movements so that it aids in measurements of critical dimensions through the low-noise atomic force microscope. The maximum travel length of the external four-axes stage is 10 mm. For image scanning of the specific target region, the sample needs to be moved through two steps: coarse positioning with the external stage and fine positioning with PI XY piezo scanner.