Optical fiber
j-Ultrasol solarization-resistant optical fiber from j-fiber is designed for use in < 400-nm wavelength operations in spectroscopy, medical, and industrial applications. According to the company, the optical fiber provides a 93% short-term transmission stability for up to a 2-h UV exposure and an 86% long-term transmission stability for up to 1500 h. j-fiber GmbH, Jena, Germany;
http://www.j-fiber.com/

Mercury analyzer
The model RA-3000 Gold+AFS mercury analyzer from Nippon Instruments is designed for EPA Method 1631E. According to the company, the analyzer simplifies low- to sub-parts-per-million mercury analysis and reduces reagent consumption and wastes. Nippon Instruments North America, College Station, TX;
http://www.hg-nic.us/

Raman microscope
Renishaw's inVia Raman microscope is a research-grade instrument designed for automated Raman spectroscopy applications. The instrument reportedly provides remote system diagnosis and control of functions such as laser wavelength, viewing modes, and system optimization; measurement templates for nonexpert users; and the ability to queue multiple measurements. Renishaw, Hoffman Estates, IL;
http://www.renishaw.com/

EDXRF spectrometer
Rigaku's NEX CG energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is designed for rapid qualitative and quantitative determination of major and minor atomic elements in various sample types with minimal standards. The spectrometer reportedly can analyze elements ranging from ¹¹Na to ⁹²U in solids, liquids, powders, and thin films. According to the company, the instrument's software enables semiquantitative analysis of most sample types without standards and quantitative analysis with standards. Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc., Austin, TX;
http://www.rigaku.com/

UV–vis spectrophotometer
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments' BioSpec-nano UV–vis spectrophotometer is designed for the quantitation of nucleic acids. The instrument reportedly requires a sample volume of 1 μL, for a pathlength of 0.2 mm, or 2 μL, for a pathlength of 0.7 mm. The sample is pipetted onto the instrument's measurement plate. According to the company, sample measurement time is 3 s. The instrument includes dedicated software for operational functions. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Columbia, MD;
http://www.ssi.shimadzu.com/