The SMS laboratory is equipped with the following microscopy apparatus (click on the link for a direct access to the relevant section):

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  •  Nikon Eclipse LV100 + Linkam THMS 600

  

Supplier: Nikon et Linkam         

Principle: Optical microscopy observation down to x500 magnification. The microscope can be set to reflextion or transmission mode and is equiped with a polarizer (that permits crossed polarized light observations). We also possess a hot stage device allowing to regulate sample temperature (from -150 to 800 °C). A CCD camera allows to record photos or films of the observed events.

Type of analysis performed: Microscopy observations. Study of crystal morphologies, of the presence of crystal defects or of the state of agglomeration of crytalline powders. The use of the hot-stage allows to monitor the samples as a function of temperature and to detect phase transitions (recrystallization, desolvation, polymorphic transitions, fusions...).

Highlights:

- Crystal growth, structure, and polymorphic behavior of an ionic liquid: phthalate derivative of N-butyl,N-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. C. Brandel, G. Gbabode, Y. Cartigny, C. Martin, G. Gouhier, S Petit, G. Coquerel. Chem. Mater. 2014, 26, 4151-4162.
- Growth rate dispersion at single crystal level. E. Bobo, S. Petit, G. Coquerel. Chem. Eng. Technol., 2015
- Temperature resolved second harmonic generation to probe the structural purity of m-hydroxybenzoic acid. S. Clevers, F. Simon, V. Dupray and G. Coquerel. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2013,112, 271-277

 

 

 

  •  Digital Microscope Hirox KH-7700

  

Supplier: Hirox                  

Principle: High resolution optical digital microscope (magnification x7000). 3D Digital reconstruction of sample starting from multifocal pictures.

Type of analyses performed: Various microscopy observations.

Highlights:

- Formation of crystalline hollow whiskers as relics of organic dissipative structures D. Martins, T. Stelzer, J. Ulrich, G. Coquerel. Cryst. Growth Des., 2011, 11 (7), 3020-3026
- Incidence of crystal growth conditions on the formation of macroscopic liquid inclusions in Ciclopirox crystals A. Waldschmidt, V. Dupray, B. Berton, N. Couvrat, S. Petit, G. Coquerel.  J. Cryst. Growth, 2012, Vol. 342, 1, 72-79

 

 

 

  •  JCM 5000 NeoScope Scanning Electron Microscope

   

Supplier: Jeol                

Principle: Observations by Scanning Electron Microscopy (magnifications from x30 up to x20000). The observations can be performed either by secondary electron mode or by back-scattering electron mode (three acceleration voltages available: 5, 10 or 15 kV). The sample analyzed may undergo a preliminary step of gold coating (few nanometers) by using a Jeol NeoCoater MP-19020NCTR metalizing unit.

Type of analyses performed: Various microscopic observations: morphological profile of crystalline powders, visualization of surface roughness and quality of the crystals, Particle Size Distribution evaluation.  

Highlights:

- Formation of crystalline hollow whiskers as relics of organic dissipative structures D. Martins, T. Stelzer, J. Ulrich, G. Coquerel. Cryst. Growth Des., 2011, 11 (7), 3020-3026
- Inhibition of the spontaneous polymorphic transition of pyrazinamide γ form at room temperature by co-spray drying with 1,3-dimethylurea. G. Baaklini, V. Dupray, G. Coquerel. Int. J. Pharm., 2015, 479, 163-170.