Optical Tensiometer

Theta Pico

Contact angle meter that measures the wettability on small areas effectively.

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Overview

What you can measure

Static contact angle even on areas smaller than 100 µm
Sessile drop
Surface free energy 
Sessile drop, captive bubble and meniscus methods
Roughness-corrected contact angle and 3D surface roughness
Fringe projection phase shifting method
Dynamic contact angle 
Dynamic contact angle, advancing and receding contact angle, contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle
Surface- and interfacial tension 
Pendant drop and reverse pendant drop methods
Interfacial dilatational rheology 
Pulsating drop method

3 reasons to invest

Designed for the small

Theta Pico measures the contact angle even on the smallest surfaces of less than 100 µm. Single fibers, small components and tiny areas can be measured conveniently.

Focus on the small

In high magnification, it is particularly difficult to keep the droplet in perfect focus. Automatic focusing ensures that even the tiniest droplets are sharp for reliable results.

Small droplets require high accuracy

Automatically enhanced picture with 5 MP resolution is the optimal choice for a demanding application.

Specifications

A closer look

Theta Pico is based on the high-end Theta Flow which is characterized by its high automation level, ease of use, and high-end accuracy. It can also be used with the versatile Theta Flex contact angle meter. Check out the system specifications below.

	Theta Flow	Theta Flex
Available Measurements
Static contact angle and captive bubble	√	√
Batch contact angle	√	√
Dynamic contact angle	√	√
Meniscus contact angle	√	√
Surface/Interfacial tension	√	√
3D surface roughness and roughness-corrected contact angle	√	√
Interfacial rheology	√	√
Surface free energy	Zisman Plot, OWRK/Extended Fowkes, van Oss Acid-Base, Wu, Neumann’s Equation of State, Schultz 1 and 2
Software and hardware
Measuring range (°, mN/m)	0…180, 0.01…2000	0…180, 0.01…2000
Accuracy (°, mN/m)	±0.1, ±0.01	±0.1, ±0.01
Maximum sample size (mm)	Unlimited×100×320	Unlimited×100×320
Integrated sample holders	√	√
Maximum resolution (px)	2592 x 2048 (5 MP)	1984 × 1264 (2.3 MP)
Maximum measuring speed (fps)	3422	3009
Camera	CMOS 1'' USB 3.0 digital camera with zoom	CMOS 2/3'' USB 3.0 digital camera with zoom
Image focusing	Software-controlled autofocus, manual fine focus in optics	Manual fine focus in optics
Image quality	Enhanced with DropletPlus technology, native	Native
Camera protection	Inside instrument covers	Inside instrument covers
Camera view angle (°)	-4.5 ... 2.5, with digital scale	-4.5 ... 2.5, with mechanical scale
Light source and size	LED based homogeneous background lighting, 62 x 62 mm	LED based homogeneous background lighting, 62 x 62 mm
Field of view (Ø, mm)	1.44…45.3	1.44…32.3
Measurement indicator LED	√	√
Integrated touch display	√	-
Environment monitoring	Integrated digital ambient temperature, relative humidity and system levelness sensors	-
Disposable tip dispensing	√	√
Software	OneAttension, includes all measurement modes	OneAttension, includes all measurement modes
Dimensions — Basic frame (L×W×H, mm)	765 x 230 x 435	765 x 230 x 435
Weight — Basic frame (kg)	29	26
Power supply (VAC)	100...240	100...240
Frequency (Hz)	50...60	50...60

	Dispenser	Droplet placement	Sample stage	Camera	Possible upgrades	Special features
Theta Flow Auto 5	Auto, 4 liquid	Auto	Auto XYZ	2592 x 2048 px, max 3422 FPS	Full	Autofocus Touch display Environment tracing Measurement indicator
Theta Flow Auto 4	Auto, 2 liquid	Auto	Auto XYZ	2592 x 2048 px, max 3422 FPS	Full	Autofocus Touch display Environment tracing Measurement indicator
Theta Flow Auto 3	Auto, 2 liquid	Auto	Auto X, Manual YZ	2592 x 2048 px, max 3422 FPS	Full	Autofocus Touch display Environment tracing Measurement indicator
Theta Flow Auto 2	Auto, 1 liquid	Auto	Auto X, Manual YZ	2592 x 2048 px, max 3422 FPS	Full	Autofocus Touch display Environment tracing Measurement indicator
Theta Flow Auto 1	Auto, 1 liquid	Auto	Manual XYZ	2592 x 2048 px, max 3422 FPS	Full	Autofocus Touch display Environment tracing Measurement indicator
Theta Flex Auto 4	Auto, 2 liquids	Auto	Auto XYZ	1984 × 1264 px, max 3009 FPS	Full	Measurement indicator
Theta Flex Auto 2	Auto, 2 liquids	Auto	Auto X, Manual YZ	1984 × 1264 px, max 3009 FPS	Full	Measurement indicator
Theta Flex Auto 1	Auto, 1 liquid	Auto	Manual XYZ	1984 × 1264 px, max 3009 FPS	Full	Measurement indicator
Theta Flex Plus	Auto, 1 liquid	Manual	Manual XYZ	1984 × 1264 px, max 3009 FPS	Full	Measurement indicator
Theta Flex Basic	Manual	Manual	Manual XYZ	1984 × 1264 px, max 3009 FPS	Full	Measurement indicator

Software

OneAttension Software

OneAttension software is a fine combination of a very intuitive interface and high functionality. Follow your experiment live and get the results within seconds. Automatic focus tracking and picture enhancement included. Let's have a look at the features!  [video, same as what we have for Theta Flow at this same place]

OneAttension Features

Autofocus keeps the picture sharp
Less user-dependency, more accuracy
User-friendly interface
To get you going in no time
Automatic baseline detection and drop shape fitting
For user-independent precision
Seamless interplay with integrated touch screen
Set up your measurements in seconds
Optimized image quality
Ultra-high resolution image optimized with DropletPlus technology for reliable results
Batch contact angle mode
When you have plenty of tests to run in no time
Monitors the measurement environment
High traceability of results linked to measurement conditions

Accessories

Add more possibilities

Have a look at a few of the additional modules compatible with Theta Pico. You can find the full range of accessories below. 

3D Topography Module

The unique 3D Topography module takes the wettability and adhesion analysis to a completely new level by measuring both contact angle and surface roughness of the sample in a single measurement. Distinguish the effect of roughness on contact angle and surface free energy.

Measuring Chamber, electrically heated, 250° C

Thermostatted electrically heated measuring chamber for air phase temperature control of substrate and drop.

Tilting cradle

A software controlled tilting cradle. Used for studying dynamic contact angles. Tilting range from 0 to 90° and tilting resolution 0.1°.

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Testimonials

What others say

Our instruments are present at many prestigious universities and research facilities worldwide. Take a minute to find out what others say about Theta Pico.

citat8

Mika LatikkaPhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Soft Matter and Wetting. Aalto University

”The touch display in Theta Flow makes measurement preparation faster and simpler. Actions like changing the sample and sample liquid are greatly facilitated which allows increasingly efficient measurements.”

Aalto University, Finland

Aalto University is a top Finnish university combining science, technology and arts into a collaborative environment for both scientific communities and companies. Our contact angle meters and tensiometers have been used there in research for decades.

citat8

Researcher at MIT

“The reproducibility of the measurements acquired is excellent even with the lowest surface energy values and the tensiometers are quite flexible with regards to sample size. The software is also very useful and the customer support for the products is excellent.”

MIT, USA

MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a world-leading research university with a mission to advance knowledge and educate students in science and technology. MIT use our tensiometers to study contact angles and interfacial energy.

Knowledge

Learn more

We have gathered all our in-depth knowledge associated with Theta Pico. Browse around amongst overviews, case studies, videos, and white papers to find a topic of your interest. 