Gold-Coated Soda-Lime Glass Microscope Slides (KJ Group Model Au-SLG-50nm)
| Brand | KJ Group |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument Component |
| Model | Au-SLG-50nm |
| Coating Structure | 5 nm Cr adhesion layer / 50 nm ±5 nm Au layer |
| Substrate | 75 × 25 mm × 1 mm soda-lime glass |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed in Class 100 cleanroom bags |
| Cleanroom Processing | Fabricated in ISO Class 5 (Class 1000) cleanroom environment |
Overview
Gold-Coated Soda-Lime Glass Microscope Slides (Model Au-SLG-50nm) are precision-engineered optical substrates designed for surface-sensitive analytical techniques requiring high-conductivity, chemically stable, and optically reflective metallic surfaces. These slides feature a controlled, uniform gold thin film deposited via electron-beam evaporation onto optically flat soda-lime glass substrates, with an interfacial chromium adhesion layer to ensure mechanical robustness and long-term coating integrity. The 50 nm nominal gold thickness is optimized for applications demanding strong plasmonic response in the visible–near-infrared range, high electrical conductivity for electrochemical or charge-dissipative measurements, and compatibility with standard sputter-coating protocols in SEM sample preparation workflows.
Key Features
- Precision-controlled bilayer architecture: 5 nm chromium underlayer for enhanced Au adhesion and interfacial stability on silicate glass
- Uniform 50 nm ±5 nm gold film thickness, verified by in-line quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) monitoring and cross-sectional TEM validation
- Optical-grade soda-lime glass substrate (75 × 25 mm, 1.0 mm thick) with ≤0.1 µm surface roughness (Ra) and low autofluorescence
- Manufactured and packaged in ISO Class 5 (Federal Standard Class 100) cleanroom environment to minimize particulate contamination
- Vacuum-sealed in certified Class 100 cleanroom bags with inert gas purge, ensuring oxide-free surface preservation during storage and transport
- Batch-certified traceability: Each lot includes a Certificate of Conformance specifying deposition parameters, thickness verification method, and cleanroom handling documentation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These gold-coated slides are compatible with a broad spectrum of surface characterization and life science instrumentation, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The chromium–gold bilayer meets ASTM F2623–22 specifications for metallic thin-film adhesion on glass substrates and complies with ISO 14644-1 cleanroom classification requirements for manufacturing and packaging. While not intended for in vivo use, the Au/Cr/glass system conforms to ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity screening guidelines when used as passive substrates in cell culture assays. All materials and processes adhere to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Annex XVII restrictions on heavy metals.
Software & Data Management
As a passive consumable component, the Au-SLG-50nm slide does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, it integrates seamlessly into regulated laboratory environments governed by 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data acquisition systems (e.g., Thermo Fisher SmartSEM, Bruker NanoScope Analysis, Horiba LabSpec). Batch-specific QC documentation—including thickness maps, reflectance spectra (300–1000 nm), and SEM micrographs—is provided in PDF format with machine-readable metadata (ISO/IEC 11179-compliant naming convention). Traceability records support GLP/GMP audit readiness, including cleanroom logbook entries, deposition chamber calibration certificates, and environmental monitoring reports.
Applications
- SERS substrate for trace-level detection of biomolecules (e.g., DNA oligonucleotides, neurotransmitters, pathogen antigens)
- Conductive substrate for high-resolution SEM imaging of non-conductive biological specimens without carbon coating
- Working electrode platform for label-free electrochemical biosensing and impedance-based cell monitoring
- Reference substrate for calibrating AFM tip convolution effects and cantilever deflection sensitivity
- Plasmonic test surface for validating near-field optical microscope (NSOM) probe performance and coupling efficiency
- Base material for subsequent functionalization with thiolated SAMs (self-assembled monolayers) in microfluidic sensor development
FAQ
What is the purpose of the chromium adhesion layer?
The 5 nm chromium interlayer prevents Au delamination during thermal cycling, solvent exposure, or mechanical stress—critical for reproducible results in multi-step surface chemistry protocols.
Can these slides be sterilized for cell culture use?
Yes: UV-C irradiation (254 nm, 30 min) or ethanol immersion (70%, 10 min) is validated; autoclaving is not recommended due to thermal expansion mismatch between Au and glass.
Is the gold layer suitable for electrochemical experiments?
Yes: The 50 nm thickness provides low sheet resistance (<0.5 Ω/sq) and stable potential window (−0.8 V to +1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl in PBS), supporting cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
How is thickness uniformity ensured across the slide surface?
Deposition occurs in a planetary rotation fixture within a high-vacuum e-beam chamber (base pressure <5×10⁻⁷ Torr), with real-time QCM monitoring and post-deposition ellipsometry mapping at 9 points per slide.
Do you provide custom dimensions or alternative substrates?
Yes: Custom sizes (e.g., 22 × 22 mm, 50 × 75 mm), alternate glasses (borosilicate, fused silica), and tailored Au thicknesses (20–100 nm) are available under OEM agreement with minimum order quantities.
