US spectroscopy specialist McPherson has highlighted the use of its Model 310/248 ultra-high vacuum grazing incidence spectrometers as part of the free electron laser experiment (or 'Flash') at DESY, Germany. The spectrometers assisted in the analysis of the 2.3-4.4nm water window (a region transparent to light). Carbon atoms are very opaque in these x-ray regions whereas water is transparent, creating an opportunity to research biological samples. The technique has applications in physics, chemistry, biology, geophysics, and medical diagnostics.
The company also revealed the use of its instruments in many experimental fusion reactors around the world, where the spectrometers are used to measure very specific wavelengths of light. The company's devices are sued in the ITER Project in France, and the ASDEX Upgrade in Germany, both experimental fusion reactors.
