What you can do

Pre-deposition Langmuir-Blodgett layer quality check

  • Monolayer/film homogeneity. When combined with a KSV NIMA L&LB Trough, observation can be performed during compression/expansion at known surface pressures. Verifying the homogeneity of the monolayer already prior to deposition will speed up the research considerably.
  • Optimizing the deposition parameters. For a high quality LB coating, the measurement parameters such as compression speed, waiting times, temperature and subphase content need to be optimized. With MicroBAM it is easy to study the effects of these parameters and choose the optimal conditions.

Langmuir layer structure and behavior studies

  • Monolayer/film behavior. It is possible to observe phase changes, phase separation, domain size, shape and packing.
  • Monitoring of surface reactions. For example, photochemical reactions, polymerization reactions as well as enzyme kinetics can be followed in real-time.
  • Monitoring and detection of surface active materials. For example protein adsorption and nanoparticle flotation.

A quick view

This 2-minute video will give you an overview of the MicroBAM from KSV NIMA. Watch it in fullscreen for the best experience. 

3 reasons to invest

Camera to capture monolayers

The MicroBAM camera features a good resolution (12 µm) combined with a large field of view, which is preferred for film homogeneity and domain size studies. You are able to capture still images of monolayers manually or automatically as a function of time or surface pressure. 
 

Quick quality check

Before depositing your monolayer make sure it is exactly the way you want it. The MicroBAM is an optimal tool for routine LB film homogeneity check prior to deposition.

Compatible with most L&LB troughs

Compatible with most of our L&LB troughs, this easy-to-use instrument connects directly to the computer via USB starting you off in minutes. 

pic 2 microbam

 

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Product in detail

The KSV NIMA MicroBAM is an easy-to-use instrument for non-invasive imaging of mono-molecular layers at the air-water interface.

By detecting changes in the refractive index of the water surface in the presence of surfactant molecules, MicroBAM provides information on homogeneity, phase behavior and film morphology without the need for any external agents such as fluorescent dyes which could interfere with the Langmuir layer. 

The good image quality and lateral resolution make it an ideal instrument for the visualization of morphological film parameters (e.g. compressed film homogeneity, domain size, shape and packing). Real-time observation and recording of film structure enables dynamic activity to be captured.

The KSV NIMA MicroBAM can be used with most KSV NIMA Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett Troughs, to provide real-time image measurements as a function of time or surface pressure. The KSV NIMA MicroBAM connects directly to the computer via USB making it remarkably easy to setup and use.

Technical Specifications

 

KSV NIMA MicroBAM

Measurement

Angle-of-incidence range (°)

53, fixed

Light source power (mW)

50

Light source wavelength (nm)

659

Image resolution (µm)

12 (horizontal image direction, center)1

Field of view (µm)

3600×4000

Polarizer

Integrated (p-polarisation of the incident beam)

Analyzer

Integrated

Camera

Type

USB

Resolution (px)

640×480

Framerate (fps)

30

Adjustable exposure time and gain

Image processing 

Image resizing

Contrast enhancement

Profile

Image filtering

Particle size determination

Hardware 

Instrument dimensions (L×W×H, cm)

22×27.7×40.2

Measuring head dimensions (L×W×H, cm)

5.7×16.2×7.2

Power supply (V, Hz)

100-240, 50/60

Weight (kg)

10

Compatibility with L&LB Troughs 

Medium

Large

High Compression

Alternate


1According to Rayleigh’s criterion
2P-polarization of the incident beam

KSV NIMA MicroBAM Software

KSV NIMA MicroBAM software images the interface and includes all the required tools to take efficient images. 

Software features

Optimized image quality. Camera tools help you to set the perfect camera settings – also automatically.

Versatile image capturing. Take and save pictures automatically as a function of surface pressure or time or manually as desired.

Get more information. Large set of image processing tools will maximize the information gotten:

  • Re-sizing
  • Profile
  • Background compensation
  • Geometric correction
  • Histogram analysis
  • Smoothing
  • Pseudo-coloring
  • Sharpening
  • De-interlacing
  • Image storage on hard disk
Connected to KSV NIMA LB. Use together with KSV NIMA LB for integration in picture acquisition, surface pressure and surface area.

Learn more

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