Agilent
Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced an innovative nanoindentation
technique available exclusively on the Agilent Nano Indenter G200 instrumentation
platform. The new technique gives researchers the unprecedented ability to make
substrate-independent measurements on thin film materials quickly, easily and
confidently by means of nanoindentation. It is ideal for evaluating the elastic
modulus of hard samples on soft substrates, or of soft samples on hard substrates.
"Our application scientists have created an intelligent, simple-to-use
solution to a longstanding nanoindentation challenge," said Jeff Jones,
operations manager for Agilent's nanoinstrumentation facility in Chandler, Ariz.
"The new technique will have an immediate impact on research being conducted
across a wide range of disciplines."
Substrate influence is a common problem when using nanoindentation to evaluate
the elastic modulus of thin film materials. The technique is able to extract
the film modulus from the measured substrate-affected modulus, assuming that
the film thickness and substrate modulus are known. The technique is applicable
to a variety of film-substrate systems.
Agilent's Jennifer Hay will present an overview of the technique at a special
reception during Materials Research Society (MRS) in Boston on Nov. 30. Field
luminary Warren Oliver will introduce Ms. Hay at the event.
As the world's most accurate, flexible and user-friendly instrument for nanoscale
mechanical testing, the G200 utilizes electromagnetic actuation to achieve unparalleled
dynamic range in force and displacement. The G200 enables measurement of Young's
modulus and hardness in compliance with ISO 14577, as well as measurement of
deformation over six orders of magnitude - from nanometers to millimeters.
Nanomechanical Systems from Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies offers high-precision, modular nanomeasurement solutions
for research, industry and education. Exceptional worldwide support is provided
by experienced application scientists and technical service personnel. Agilent's
leading-edge R&D laboratories ensure the timely introduction and optimization
of innovative and easy-to-use nanomechanical system technologies.
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company
and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, electronics and
communications. The company's 18,500 employees serve customers in more than
100 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2010. Information
about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.