Characterize Thin Films
KSV Nima Langmuir & Langmuir-Blodgett Troughs
The KSV NIMA Langmuir & Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) troughs are top-of-the-line instruments used for creating thin film coatings with controlled packing density.
KSV NIMA has the widest selection of Langmuir & LB Troughs of various sizes and functions. The modular trough systems are designed with a frame capable of fitting multiple trough tops. The result is a flexible, and interchangeable solutions for multiple applications. Troughs can also be customized upon request.
Modularity
With an open, modular design and the widest range of Langmuir & LB troughs on the market, you can build your setup to fit your size and function requirements
Controlled Film Parameters
KSV NIMA instruments offer precise control over molecular packing density and coating thickness, and homogeneity of deposition
Expandability
Build specialized configurations for advanced studies, or add characterization tools such as Brewster Angle Microscopes and Surface Potential Sensors
See available configurations
KSV NIMA Product Options
Standard Langmuir Troughs are available in several sizes, small, medium or large and can be configured depending on the area of research. The smaller trough tops are preferable when using expensive molecules. The bigger systems provide more space for characterization instruments and provide a higher compression ratio.
Create thin films at the air-liquid or liquid-liquid interface. Measure surface pressure-area isotherms to determine monolayer compressibility, molecular orientations, and area per molecule at various stages of compression.
Fabricate thin films and transfer to a substrate via either Langmuir-Blodgett (vertical) or Langmuir-Shaefer (horizontal) deposition. Controlling the surface pressure of the transfer gives exquisite control over the packing density of the resulting film.
Probe the properties of interfacial layers and collect highly sensitive measurements of interfacial viscoelasticity both at air-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces. Simultaneously measure and control surface pressure thanks to easy integration with KSV NIMA Troughs.
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KSV NIMA MicroBAM
Brewster Angle Microscope
MicroBAM (Brewster Angle Microscope) enables visualization of monolayers, typically at the air-water interface in a Langmuir Trough.
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.
KSV NIMA SPOT
Surface Potential Sensor
The KSV NIMA Surface Potential Sensor (SPOT) is used for determining molecular orientation changes in Langmuir films. Together with the surface pressure sensor included in all KSV NIMA Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett Troughs, it gives an in-depth view of the Langmuir monolayer interactions.
