QCM Research is a small family-owned corporation, snuggled into the vineyards of the beautiful Temecula Valley of Southern California. We specialize in the design and manufacture of very high quality Quartz Crystal Microbalance(s), known as QCMs. Our instruments are used in high technology laboratories around the world and in space for applications such as detecting contamination on optical surfaces, measuring outgassing and determining constituents by means of thermogravimetric analysis.
The Quartz Crystal Microbalance(s) or QCM is an ingenious device that can measure molecules or contaminants in a vacuum environment. Our specially prepared crystals are so sensitive they can measure molecules well below the mono-molecular level. When molecules accumulate on the crystal surface, the crystal reacts in a linear mass-to-frequency relationship, making calculations much easier. By changing the temperature of the crystal, one can look for specific molecules by adjusting the temperature of the crystal to the condensation point of specific gases. When finished, the condensation can be burned off to prepare for the next measurement. By slowly raising the temperature one can determine partial or mixed molecules using Thermogravimetric analysis.
Most of our QCMs have a temperature sensor built in. Additionally, our Thermoelectric QCM line or TQCMs have a peltier heat exchanger making it possible to heat or cool the crystals to a specific temperature. Our Cryogenic QCM line has a heater only, (no cooling) but is capable of operating in more extreme temperatures. Our Passive line of QCMs have no temperature control. They are used for measuring accumulated contaminants over the life of a product, for example.
QCMs are connected via cable to one of our controllers or Control/Data Acquisition Units, the M2000 for lab work and the M3000 for flight. These are then connected by cable to a host computer. We also produce a wide assortment of lab quality cables in custom lengths and configurations.
Suitable for use in both vacuum chambers and for flight use, QCMs are proven, ruggedized, and have an excellent flight history. They can be customized for your specific application. Contact our pleasant and competent staff to discuss how QCMs can help you meet your goals and objectives.