一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST Product Lineup

Cream solder (solder paste) is a paste-like solder made by mixing metal powder with flux, such as rosin, and is used when mounting electronic components on a substrate. The solder flux contains various organic components ranging from low molecular to medium and high molecular weight, including solvents, activators, rosin, and thixotropic agents. Here, we present examples of a wide-ranging qualitative analysis of these components using GC/MS and LC/MS.

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MST has launched a service to support the branding of food products through the analysis of functional components contained in food. - We want to enhance the value of our food brand, not just make it delicious. - It is said to be healthy, but we are not sure what contributes to its effectiveness. - We know that other varieties contain functional components, but we have not been able to investigate our own cultivated products. In response to these customer challenges, we provide comprehensive support using instrumental analysis, from the investigation of functional components and various analyses for commercialization to the application for functional labeling and product development.

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MST has launched a service to support the branding of food products through the analysis of functional components contained in food. We will assist with the sales application for functional display foods in three steps according to our customers' needs. Step 1: Investigation of contained components ↓ Step 2: Analysis for commercialization ↓ Step 3: Procedures for functional display certification

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Organic substances at metal interfaces can cause poor adhesion and delamination. For analyzing this poor adhesion, physically peeling off the layers and conducting qualitative analysis on the peeled surfaces is effective (refer to analysis case C0198). On the other hand, there are many cases where peeling cannot be performed, and in such cases, using a sputtering ion source for depth analysis is effective. This document presents a case of qualitative analysis of organic substances at metal interfaces, either in thin films or as secondary contamination, in the depth direction. As a conclusion, the presence of organic substances was confirmed by detecting C-series ions. Additionally, it is sometimes possible to identify organic substances by comparing them with known standard samples.

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Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis is a method used for structural analysis of organic compounds. NMR spectra are influenced by the spins of the atomic nuclei that make up the compound, and this influence is represented by the spin coupling constant. By evaluating this spin coupling constant, it becomes possible to identify compounds with complex structures or novel compounds. This document presents a case study analyzing the stereoconformation of fluorinated compounds based on a comparison between measured values of spin coupling constants and calculated values from quantum chemical calculations. Energy calculations of the conformations also allow for a comparison of stability. Measurement methods: Computational science, AI, data analysis, NMR Product field: Pharmaceuticals Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states, structural evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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Two-component epoxy resin cures by mixing the base agent and the hardener. Unlike one-component systems, it has the advantage of curing without the need for heating, making it widely used as adhesives, paints, and resins. In its qualitative analysis, the cured resin, which is insoluble in solvents, can primarily be evaluated for the base agent using thermal decomposition GC/MS. On the other hand, for the evaluation of the hardener, it may be necessary to measure it in its pre-cured state depending on the type. This document presents a case where a polymercaptan hardener was measured in its pre-cured solution state, and structural estimation was conducted using a combination of ionization methods (EI and FI methods).

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From the analysis of the Cu2p3/2 spectrum and Cu Auger spectrum, it is possible to evaluate the bonding state, quantitative assessment, and film thickness of the Cu surface. Major application examples include the evaluation of CMP processing and cleaning of Cu wiring, as well as the investigation of rust and discoloration of Cu electrodes. We will summarize the surface states of Cu treated with various processes and the thickness of the oxide film. (Measurements can be conducted immediately after treatment in a clean room environment.)

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Understanding the degradation mechanism of liquid crystal display panels is an essential theme for extending the lifespan of the panels. Among the degradation symptoms, a decrease in brightness can be attributed to various factors, including liquid crystals, alignment films, sealing materials, and TFTs. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted, incorporating surface, structure, composition, and computational science. By capturing the slight differences between good and defective products and conducting a comprehensive evaluation, we can elucidate the degradation mechanism of liquid crystal displays.

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In HAXPES, it is possible to obtain information from deep positions (up to about 50 nm) from the sample surface. Furthermore, by using a two-dimensional detector for angle-resolved measurements, data obtained at a wide range of photoelectron emission angles can be divided into information corresponding to different angles, that is, varying detection depths. This allows for a comparison of depth-resolved bonding states to greater depths than XPS in a non-destructive manner. It is effective for evaluating materials where state changes extend not only to the surface but also into the bulk.

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To understand the outbreak of infectious diseases and to prevent the spread of infections, it is important to decode the genomic information of viruses and other pathogens. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can read large amounts of DNA fragments of several hundred bases, making it widely used for decoding biological genomes. By obtaining the genome sequence of the novel coronavirus using NGS, it becomes possible to analyze mutation sites and conduct comparisons between samples. For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Gallium nitride (GaN), a wide bandgap semiconductor, is primarily used in the field of power devices, and in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for applications such as rapid chargers and 5G communication base stations. In the development of high-reliability GaN, it is important to understand the reduction of defects in the crystal and the impact of these defects on electrical and optical properties. This document presents a case study analyzing the defect levels formed by nitrogen vacancies (VN) in GaN using first-principles calculations. This analysis is applicable not only to vacancies but also to various point defects in crystalline materials, such as element substitutions. For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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Ginsenoside is a saponin unique to Korean ginseng. It has a structure where sugars are bound to a basic skeleton of sapogenin, and approximately 40 related compounds have been discovered to date. They are mainly classified into diol types, which have central nervous system inhibitory effects, and triol types, which have central nervous system excitatory effects, and it is said that the balance between these is important. This document introduces a case of simultaneous analysis of 26 types of ginsenosides contained in Korean ginseng using LC/MS/MS. Measurement method: LC/MS Product field: Food Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Residual stress measurement is one of the important methods to investigate whether a component can withstand various stress conditions. In XRD (X-ray diffraction), it is possible to determine residual stress by measuring the lattice spacing. This document introduces a case where a sample of aluminum plates with V-shaped processing on both sides was created for tensile testing, and a comparison of residual stress before and after applying tensile load using a tensile testing device, as well as the distribution of residual stress in the sample after application, was confirmed. The residual stress values were determined using the sin²ψ method. For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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Glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as GluCer) is a functional ingredient involved in skin moisture retention. Various types of GluCer with different molecular structures are found in natural plants, showing differences in their main components. This document presents a case study analyzing the extracts of fruits (banana, grape, kiwi, strawberry) and investigating the differences in the GluCer content of each fruit. For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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This introduces the evaluation of surface shape using a laser microscope.

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Carbon nanotubes are lightweight nanomaterials with high strength and flexibility, and their excellent properties are expected to lead to applications in various fields. On the other hand, changes in physical properties associated with shape changes are also known, and evaluations of deformation and strain in response to external forces are required. This document introduces a case study of bending deformation simulations of single-walled carbon nanotubes using molecular dynamics calculations. By conducting simulations, it is possible to observe shape changes at the atomic level, which are difficult to evaluate from actual measurements, and to calculate strain energy.

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• Secondary Cells/Batteries

Lithium-ion polymer batteries are widely used in everyday products such as mobile batteries and electronic devices. This document presents a case study of analyzing a laminated lithium-ion polymer battery using X-ray CT. By using X-ray CT, it is possible to observe the internal structure of a 20mm x 40mm battery without destruction and to check for the presence and location of foreign objects or voids measuring a few micrometers. For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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MI refers to an approach that utilizes information science and technology in the field of materials research and development. It can be adopted by any company or organization involved in manufacturing and other industries. By leveraging existing data, it aims to achieve efficient experimental processes and acquire new insights that cannot be obtained solely through human knowledge and experience.

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Anomaly detection is a technique for finding data that does not match other patterns within large amounts of data. By incorporating anomaly detection into product development and manufacturing, labor-saving in quality control and other areas is expected. Furthermore, by conducting equipment analysis, the essence of anomalies can be scientifically investigated.

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Optical fibers have a structure that consists of a core with a high refractive index surrounded by a cladding layer with a low refractive index. Due to the difference in refractive indices, light is totally internally reflected at the boundary and transmitted. Therefore, it is important to analyze the selection of materials, the presence of impurities, adhesion, coating conditions, and contaminants. Optical fibers can be broadly classified into two types: plastic and quartz. This document presents a case study in which the materials of the core and cladding were identified by analyzing the cross-section of plastic optical fibers using TOF-SIMS. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product field: Optical fibers, electronic components Analysis purpose: Qualitative evaluation, organic matter evaluation, composition distribution evaluation "For more details, please download the document or contact us."

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To investigate the causes of defects such as poor adhesion, it is important to gain insights into the surfaces of wafers and devices. In this instance, hydrophobic areas were observed on a silicon wafer, prompting wide-area imaging using TOF-SIMS. As a result, components estimated to be silicone oil, CF-based grease, and paraffin oil were identified from the hydrophobic areas. TOF-SIMS typically has a measurement field of view up to 500μm square, but by moving the stage during measurement, it is possible to evaluate wide-area distributions. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product fields: Devices, Displays, Electronic Components, Manufacturing Equipment Analysis objectives: Qualitative, Imaging, Composition Distribution Evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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X-ray CT analysis allows for the non-destructive comparison and investigation of the structure and dimensions of components. This document presents a measurement case of a rubber O-ring used in vacuum equipment. To investigate a long-used item that is leaking gas, X-ray CT analysis and three-dimensional image analysis were conducted, comparing it with data from a new item. As a result, it was found that the long-used item had localized areas where the thickness of the ring was reduced, suggesting that leaks were occurring from those points. Measurement method: X-ray CT Product fields: Manufacturing equipment and parts, polymer materials, daily necessities Analysis purposes: Shape evaluation, film thickness evaluation, structural evaluation, failure analysis, defect analysis, degradation investigation, reliability evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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From very small and simple systems such as single molecules and clusters to relatively complex systems such as interfaces, defects, and external fields (electric fields, pressure, etc.), we can handle a wide range of scenarios. ■ Effective Situations - When you want to verify hypotheses established at the atomic or molecular level regarding the phenomenon of interest - When you want to perform detailed attribution and interpretation of various spectroscopic spectra ■ Features of MST - We can provide a one-stop service from the proposal of computational models to analysis - We have our own computational environment, allowing us to handle highly confidential data - Simulations leveraging the expertise of analysis and AI specialists are possible ■ Supported Computational Methods - Quantum chemical calculations - First-principles calculations - Molecular dynamics calculations

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Hair that has been damaged by factors such as hair color, ultraviolet rays, and aging undergoes structural changes, and measuring these structural changes is important for the research and development of hair care products. In this case, we observed the structure of hair using X-ray CT. Furthermore, by performing image analysis on the obtained CT cross-sectional images, we created histograms of the void volume in the cortex and the spacing of the cuticles. By combining X-ray CT and image analysis in this way, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the three-dimensional structure of hair. Measurement methods: X-ray CT, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics Analysis objectives: Shape evaluation, structural evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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We observed a sample mixed with three types of lactic acid bacteria using SEM, and extracted the bacteria by type using deep learning from the obtained images. Furthermore, we conducted data analysis to determine the presence ratio on the cell cycle based on the shape of the lactic acid bacteria. Measurement methods: SEM, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, cosmetics, food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Deep learning enables the extraction of target objects from images. Additionally, by analyzing the regions corresponding to the obtained targets, information can be obtained in numerical form. In this instance, we used deep learning to extract active material particles and detect cracks in cross-sectional SEM images of battery cathode materials. Extraction is also possible for 3D data, such as Slice&View data. We extracted particles with and without cracks from the 3D data and calculated their respective particle sizes. Measurement methods: SEM, Slice&View, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Solar cells, secondary batteries, fuel cells Analysis purposes: Structural evaluation, shape evaluation, failure analysis, defect analysis For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR is a type of NMR analytical method used to identify low molecular weight compounds that interact with proteins, demonstrating significant power in drug screening and other applications. This document presents a case study where specific compounds that interact with a particular protein were identified from multiple compound groups using STD-NMR measurements. Measurement method: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis purpose: Screening, Drug Design, Interaction Evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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To determine impurity concentrations using SIMS analysis, it is necessary to use a standard sample with the same composition as the analysis sample. By preparing various Al compositions of AlGaN standard samples for AlGaN used in ultraviolet LEDs and power devices, MST can achieve more accurate quantification of impurities. We will introduce a case where, after disassembling a commercially available deep ultraviolet LED, SIMS analysis was conducted to determine the concentration of the dopant Mg and the distribution of the main component Al composition. Measurement method: SIMS Product fields: Lighting, power devices, optical devices Analysis purposes: Trace concentration evaluation, impurity evaluation, distribution evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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By scanning the electron beam probe and measuring the electron diffraction patterns at each point, high spatial resolution crystal information can be obtained. This method allows for the acquisition of information on smaller crystal grains than the EBSD method in SEM. It is also referred to as ACOM (Automated Crystal Orientation Mapping) - TEM method. - Crystal grain size analysis is possible - Orientation measurement of the measurement area is possible - Observation of twin grain boundaries (corresponding grain boundaries) is possible - Extraction of specific crystal orientations is possible - Measurement of the rotation angle of adjacent crystal grains is possible - Evaluation of crystal grains larger than a few nanometers is possible

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One of the processes that occurs when light is irradiated onto a material and the excited electrons return to the ground state is called photoluminescence. Among these, the method of instantaneously exciting a material using a pulsed laser and measuring the decay time of the emitted light is referred to as time-resolved photoluminescence, and by analyzing the obtained spectrum, the fluorescence lifetime can be calculated. By measuring the fluorescence lifetime of a material, the emission transient phenomena can be understood more dynamically. For this reason, fluorescence lifetime measurement is one of the effective means in the physical property research of organic materials such as organic EL materials, solar cells, photocatalysts, and biochemistry. This device enables the measurement of time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra on nanosecond and microsecond scales, as well as fluorescence lifetime measurement, by combining a picosecond laser with a spectrometer and a streak camera.

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Alkali metals such as Li, Na, and K are key elements that cause various failures in semiconductors. These are referred to as mobile ions that can move within the film during measurement, making it difficult to obtain an accurate distribution. In this study, by conducting depth-direction analysis using a GCIB (Ar cluster) with a sputter ion source in TOF-SIMS, it was found that the movement of alkali metals can be suppressed even at room temperature compared to oxygen sputter guns. This measurement allows for qualitative and quantitative analysis of impurities within SiO2 films. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product fields: LSI, memory, electronic components Analysis purpose: Trace concentration evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Quantum chemical calculations can provide molecular insights (such as molecular structure, charge distribution, molecular orbitals, and mechanisms of chemical reactions) that serve as guidelines for the development and design of materials, as well as simulate various response spectra like UV-Vis and NMR with high accuracy. The results obtained can help overcome various challenges faced in research and development in fields such as functional materials and drug discovery. This document introduces the analysis targets, the physical property information obtained, and case studies that can be understood from quantum chemical calculations.

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This is a thermal analysis method for measuring thermal properties (glass transition, softening temperature, melting temperature, expansion tendency) at localized areas of the sample surface. A probe in contact with the sample surface is heated, causing the temperature of the sample surface to change. In the diagram, 1. the sample expansion begins during heating, 2. the deflection changes until the transition temperature is reached, and 3. the probe's intrusion into the altered sample after the transition temperature is indicated. It is also possible to monitor the deflection during temperature changes and obtain mapping data of the transition temperature for each measurement point.

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Rietveld analysis is a method for analyzing measurement data from XRD (X-ray diffraction) and neutron diffraction. In addition to identifying lattice constants and space groups using existing methods, it is possible to obtain more detailed crystallographic information, such as atomic arrangements within the unit cell, if there is a crystal structure model (candidate) for the sample.

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Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is an analytical method that can obtain various information about molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular mobility, targeting various compounds including organic substances. This document presents examples of measurements conducted with a super low-temperature probe, which achieved higher sensitivity compared to a general-purpose room temperature probe.

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The response speed, driving voltage, and reliability characteristics of liquid crystal panels are attributed to the molecular structure of the liquid crystals. Therefore, analyzing the details of the molecular structure is essential for controlling the display characteristics of liquid crystal panels. Here, we introduce a case where the liquid components in commercially available panels were extracted and structurally estimated using GC/TOFMS. Approximately 10 components, including liquid crystal materials that exhibit negative dielectric anisotropy, were estimated from precise mass information. Measurement method: GC/MS Product fields: Displays, televisions, projectors Analysis objectives: Market research, molecular structure evaluation, degradation investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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When overhauling mechanical parts such as pumps and engines, there are cases where parts are cleaned and reused. If the cleaning does not sufficiently remove dirt, there is a risk of malfunctions occurring in the assembled machinery. To investigate the presence of dirt or to analyze the components that are attached, thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) is effective. By heating the sample at a high temperature (up to 350°C), the attached organic substances can be volatilized and measured using GC/MS. This method is useful for identifying the attached components, comparing the amount of attachment before and after cleaning, and assessing the degree of cleaning based on different cleaning methods. Measurement method: GC/MS Product field: Manufacturing equipment and parts Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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Polymers can change shape depending on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and solvents, and by varying the environmental conditions during evaluation, we can deepen our understanding of their physical properties. In this study, we conducted heating and cooling experiments using polycaprolactone (PCL), which is known for its biodegradability. PCL has a melting point of approximately 60°C, and we continuously observed through video how it changes from a crystalline state to an amorphous state upon heating, and how it recrystallizes upon cooling. Measurement method: AFM Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Daily Goods, Food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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We provide suitable analysis menus for essential components of EVs, including onboard batteries and devices.

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Pigment Red 254 (p-Cl DPP) is a type of DPP (diketopyrrolopyrrole) pigment that exhibits a vivid red color. DPP pigments are used as red pigments with excellent weather resistance, and due to their ease of mass production and low cost, they are also expected to be utilized as organic EL materials. This document presents a case study of UV-Vis spectrum simulation based on quantum chemical calculations targeting Pigment Red 254 in solution. By referring to the simulation results, the spectral shape of the measured data can be interpreted. Measurement method: Computational science and data analysis, UV-Vis Product fields: Lighting, displays, cosmetics, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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TOF-SIMS (Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) is a method that can sensitively evaluate organic and inorganic substances on the very surface, and it can be used as an analytical tool for various quality control processes of products. For example, it can be used for regular checks of surface contaminants during product storage, investigating the causes when defects such as peeling or discoloration occur in products, and analyzing changes in key components before and after altering manufacturing conditions. This document presents an example of comparing the surfaces of silicon wafers stored under different environments, focusing on the representative contaminant polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product fields: Electronic components, manufacturing equipment, parts, and others (general electronics) Analysis purposes: Surface analysis, evaluation of chemical bonding states, failure analysis, defect analysis, and others (contamination assessment, quality control) For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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Organic EL displays are advancing towards practical use by leveraging advantages such as high brightness, high-resolution color, and thinness due to their self-emission principle. In the emission layer, guest molecules are doped into host molecules to enhance the emission efficiency. In this study, we identified the emission layer materials for red pixels in organic EL display elements. Additionally, we conducted thickness evaluation of the emission layer using a newly developed step gauge and quantified the guest materials within the emission layer. This allows for qualitative and quantitative analysis of guest molecules in the emission layer, as well as evaluation of the thickness of the emission layer. Measurement methods: TOF-SIMS, TEM, XPS Product field: Displays Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation, identification, thickness evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

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In improving the characteristics of lithium-ion secondary batteries, electronic conductivity is an important factor, and conductive additives are required to have high electronic conductivity and high dispersibility. The mainstream conductive additive, carbon, can be broadly categorized into two types: crystalline and amorphous, and is used either as a single agent or as a composite material. This document introduces a case where the type of carbon used as a conductive additive in the positive electrode is identified based on its crystallinity, and the dispersion state is evaluated by visualizing the in-plane distribution. Measurement methods: Raman, SEM Product field: Secondary batteries Analysis objectives: Composition distribution evaluation, structural evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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The frequency of mask usage has increased to prevent infections caused by viruses. However, there is a lack of structural data that serves as a basis for their usage methods and resistance. This document presents the results of observing the fibers on the surface of masks before and after alcohol disinfection using SEM. After alcohol disinfection, it was found that the shape of the fibers changed, and the characteristic convex shapes observed before disinfection decreased. Measurement method: SEM Product field: Daily necessities, virus prevention-related products Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation, structural evaluation, degradation investigation, reliability assessment, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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3D fluorescence spectra contain three types of information: excitation wavelength, fluorescence wavelength, and fluorescence intensity, and are also referred to as fluorescence fingerprints. Fluorometers are highly sensitive, and 3D fluorescence spectra have the characteristic of containing a large amount of information, making them promising for applications in the analysis of food, cosmetics, daily necessities, and environmental wastewater. By using multivariate analysis for the analysis of 3D fluorescence spectra, it is possible to compress and reduce the dimensions of the data and visualize the features. This document presents an example of an analysis conducted on olive oil. Measurement method: Fluorometer, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, daily necessities, food, environment Analysis purpose: Product investigation, safety evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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