QCM-D

QSense Initiator

Get started with QCM-D technology using QSense Initiator. The instrument features core functions and produces high quality data.

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Guide

Most suitable when

You are getting started with QCM-D
A clean design and straightforward software makes QSense Initiator perfect as an introduction with the QCM-D technology
You are into the basics
QSense Initiator supports all the core functions and basic qualities of QSense instruments.
You need to study interactions qualitatively
But not to quantify your films.
You will experiment within a limited temperature range
You are performing your measurements between 20-45 °C.

3 reasons to invest

Easy to use

QSense Initiator is designed to meet your basic needs in QCM-D technology. The instrument is easy to set up and run

High quality data

Excellent temperature and measurement stability, in combination with the measurement of two harmonics, ensure accurate and reliable measurements

One channel, plenty of possibilities

This 1 channel system has high chemical compatibility and works with the entire range of QSense Sensors which gives you a wide variety of experimental possibilities

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A closer look

Let's dive into the specifications of QSense Initiator. You can also compare the data to our other instruments to find what you are looking for.

Measurement range and capacity

Measurement channels	1
Working temperature	20 to 45 °C
Sensors (frequency range)	5 MHz (1-72)
Number of measured harmonics	2

Sample and fluidics

Minimum sample volume, stagnant mode	~ 40 μl
Minimum sample volume, flow mode	~ 200 μl
Flow rates	25-150 μl/min applicable for QSense setup (Peristaltic pump settable to 0-1 ml/min)

Performance characteristics

Maximum time resolution	4 datapoints per second (each datapoint represents an f and D value)
Sensitivity/limit of detection and noise	See the graph below
Long-term stability*	Frequency: < 1 Hz/h Dissipation: < 0.15∙10^-6 Temperature: < 0.02˚C/h

Software

	QSoft Acquisition software	Dfind Analysis software
Measurement channels	Time resolved Frequency and Dissipation for 2 harmonics	Thickness (or mass), kinetics, slope, rise time and more
Computer requirements	USB 2.0	PC with 64-bit > 1366×768 px screen resolution, > 4 GB RAM
Operating system	Windows 10 or later (earlier Windows versions may not fully work and support cannot be guaranteed)
Import/export	Excel, BMP, JPG, WMF, GIF, PCX, PNG, TXT	CSV files. Decimal separator, full stop or comma

Electrical data

Power supply and frequency

115-120 / 220 / 230-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
The power supply should be properly grounded

Dimensions and weight

	Height (cm)	Width (cm)	Depth (cm)	Weight (kg)
Electronics unit	18	36	21	9
Measurement chamber	5	10	15	1

* The temperature stability depends on variations in how the ambient affects the warming or cooling of the chamber. The specified temperature stability may not be reached if the room temperature changes more than ± 1° C, if there is a draft or a heat source nearby. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Standard sensors

The sensor is at the heart of the QCM-D experiment. Browse the widest range of sensors on the market to find out which sensor material and coating is best suited for your research.

We offer over 50 standard sensors - from various metals, oxides and carbides to polymers, functionalized coatings and and standardized soils. Our sensors are developed and produced to provide you with stable, reliable and reproducible data. Full performance is ensured through extensive quality controls and guaranteed for one-time use according to the recommendations.

Customized sensors

Sensor materials and coatings based on your specific needs

Top suggestions

Stainless Steel SS2343

QSX 305

PS-Hydrophobic Polystyrene

See more here

QSoft software

The software for QSense is designed for you to make the most of your QCM-D measurements. QSoft is the software collecting your data and presenting it to you.

Computer requirements

Required

PC with 64-bit Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 or 10
At least 1366×768 px screen resolution
At least 4 GB RAM

Simplify your work

Our accessories can simplify the work in the lab for you.

Installation Kit

Contains parts to operate the QSense® instruments: sensor cleaning holder, sensor cleaning solution, tweezers, screwdriver for the Standard Flow Module, beakers and tubing cutter.

Configure QSense Initiator with suitable accessories in our Instrument Selector!

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 QSense.

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Malkiat Johal on QSense

"I have found QSense to be one of the best techniques for an undergraduate lab because it’s turnkey and it requires very little maintenance."

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

"The operating principles are straightforward and the students can focus on the science. And so, that’s something that we have been really happy with, it really works in this kind of setting. It’s an ideal method for an undergraduate surface science lab."

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Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

"We can monitor the mass change of our system in real-time. I can tell you that for every electron moved, this amount of mass changed. That’s powerful. You can’t really get that with any other system."

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

"We use the QSense high temperature model that allows us to investigate polyelectrolyte complexes and their response to temperature. We’re also using the electrochemistry module so we can run our standard electrochemical measurements at the same time as we run the QCM-D."

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Kenichi Sakai on QSense

"We regard QCM-D as a valuable measuring tool due to its high sensitivity and stability and find it applicable for versatile studies because of its availabilities of sensors with different types of surfaces. In this context I would say QCM-D is the best suitable solution for simulating a variety of nanoscale interaction behaviors both real-time & in-situ.

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

"We are working on academic research in the field of colloid and interface chemistry and our main work is synthesis of novel surfactants and characterization of their properties. We use QCM-D as a must-tool to comprehend molecular adsorption/desorption behaviors specifically observed at a solid-liquid interface."

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Marité Cárdenas on QSense

"QSense instruments are a great tool for our biophysical research. They enable rapid screening for biomolecular interaction at lipid bilayers and also allow optimising the parameters for deposition of thin films."

Professor Dr. Marité Cárdenas, Health and Society, Malmö University

"The instrument is easy to use, and has a long working life as long as you follow the maintenance instructions! The technical staff at Biolin Scientific are a pleasure to work with: They are nice and always give quick feedback and support."

Learn more

We have gathered all our in-depth knowledge associated with QSense Initiator. Browse around amongst guides, overviews and white papers to find a topic of interest.

QSense

Guide

How to read a QCM Specification

There are key parameters to keep an eye on when investing in a new QCM instrument. Learn what they mean, and why they are important.

Download

QSense

Overview

Information Obtained with QSense QCM-D

We have summarized the parameters and processes that can be studied with QCM-D for you.

Biolin Scientific China

German Webshop

Most suitable when

3 reasons to invest

Easy to use

High quality data

One channel, plenty of possibilities

Download brochure

A closer look

Measurement range and capacity

Sample and fluidics

Performance characteristics

Software

Electrical data

Dimensions and weight

Top suggestions

See more here

QSoft software

Computer requirements

Required

Recommended

Simplify your work

Installation Kit

What others say

Malkiat Johal on QSense

Malkiat Johal, Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College

Jodie Lutkenhaus on QSense

Jodie Lutkenhaus, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

Kenichi Sakai on QSense

Kenichi Sakai, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Science

Marité Cárdenas on QSense

Professor Dr. Marité Cárdenas, Health and Society, Malmö University

Learn more

How to read a QCM Specification

Information Obtained with QSense QCM-D

How to Characterize Lipid-Based Systems with QCM-D

QSense Cleaning Profile

QCM-D vs other QCMs

The Sauerbrey Relation

QCM-D Data Analysis

QCM-D Studies of Engineered Nanoparticles

Analytical Methods to Characterize Lipid-based Systems

Development of a New Method for the Formation of SLBs on Solid Support using QSense QCM-D

Determining Cleansing Efficacy of Elfan AT 84 using a QCM-D Assay

Analyzing Cleaning of Hard Surfaces with QSense

QSense Etching Guide

QCM-D in Research

Key Publications on the Formation of Supported Lipid Bilayers

QCM-D vs SPR

The Working Principles of QCM and QCM-D

What is Dissipation?

Temperature Stability in QCM Measurements

How to Generate Quality QCM-D Data

How QCM Results are Influenced by Layer Distribution

What is Piezoelectricity?

QCM-D vs other QCMs

How to Optimize the QCM-D Baseline Stability

Characterization of Polymer-based Systems

QCM-D in Drug Formulation and Storage

Analysis of Surfactant-Surface Interactions with QSense

What is a Viscoelastic material?

Characterization of Biomolecular Interactions

Dfind Basic Training Course

Basics of QCM-D

Surface Science – a Field Rich in Science and Applications

QCM-D Analysis in Virus-related Research

Biomaterials – Man-made Materials for Regenerative Medicine

QCM-D as a Tool to Study the Binding of Viruses

Nanocellulose Research with QCM-D

Using QCM-D in the Food Industry

Characterization of Surfaces and Surface Reactions in Energy Storage

How Excipients, Surfaces and Formulation Conditions Affect Therapeutic Proteins

What is Biocompatibility?

The Dissipation Factor in QCM-D Technology

Why it is Useful to use Multiple Overtones in QCM Measurements?

QSense Analysis in CMP

Why the Resonance Frequency of a QCM Sensor is 5MHz

Analyze Surface-induced Complement Activation

Analyzing Vapor Uptake and Release with QCM-D

Monitoring of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Build-up and Crosslinking using QCM-D