The Q-Sense E4 is a real-time analytical instrument for studies of molecular events occurring on surfaces. The E4 measures mass and viscoelastic properties of molecular layers as they build up or change on the sensor surface, which plays a key role in areas such as materials, protein and surfactant research.
The instrument has four flow modules, each holding one sensor enabling four parallel measurements. The flow modules are exchangeable and can be separately cleaned. All wetted parts (titanium, Teflon and Viton) can easily be removed and cleaned using standard cleaning procedures such as ultrasonication. Using the same chamber base, accessory modules are available for different application needs. At present there is an electrochemistry module, a window module, a humidity module and an open module. 7 frequencies can be measured simultaneously, from the fundamental frequency up to the 13th overtone, enabling improved modelling of a wide range of surfaces. In a routine measurement situation, the kinetic resolution is about one data point per second from all 4 sensors. However, each of these data points is an average of several measurements of f and D, thus enhancing the signal to noise ratio. If maximum kinetic resolution is desired, more than 200 data points per second can be measured. Over 5 stock crystal coatings (Au, SiO2, Stainless steel, PS, Ti), with additional special order sensors available (Hydroxyapatite, Al2O2, Ta, W, Cu, Pt, Cr, Ir, Fe, FeC3, Ag, Co, TaN, polmyers and many more). QTools enables quantification of viscosity, elasticity, and thickness of any soft film measured with the QCM-D at minimum two frequencies. In addition kinetic constants and reaction kinetics can be extracted. The software simplifies interpretation of data, modeling and different kinds of presentations of performed measurements.