# openQCM NEXT · Design

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_openQCM NEXT · sheet 03 · Design_

openQCM NEXT was developed with the intention of maximizing thermal dissipation. The innovative design optimizes the device for research applications — the result of valuable feedback gathered from the scientific community.

## A bridge built to dissipate.

The distinctive bridge design aims to optimize thermal dissipation and minimize electrical interferences. The sensor module has been upgraded with a custom heat sink featuring an integrated PTFE slot that houses the fluidic module — the primary holder for the quartz sensors, designed also as a multi-purpose accessory.

![Thermal map of the openQCM NEXT heat sink showing heat dissipation across the sensor module](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Quartz-Crystak-Microbalance-heatsink-thermal-map-openQCM-NEXT.0.jpg)

## More than a simple holder.

The fluidic module is the real core of openQCM NEXT. It consists of two metal parts: the bottom part, made of flash chrome-plated aluminum, is in direct contact with the Peltier element; the top part is a flash chrome-plated aluminium shell with a PTFE fluidic core inside. All other materials are specifically selected to provide the widest range of chemical compatibility. The fluidic circuit is engraved directly inside the PTFE core, so incoming fluid is thermalized more efficiently.

The fluidic module is designed as a plug-and-play accessory that can be easily unplugged for “out of the device” treatments, such as ultrasonic baths, thermal baking, and so forth.

![The standard fluidic module of openQCM NEXT: the flash chrome-plated shell with the openQCM mark, two fluid ports and two slotted nuts](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_fluidic_module.png)

In this view: Flash chrome-plated aluminium shell, PTFE core inside; Two fluid ports: the channel is engraved in the PTFE; Two slotted nuts hold the shell on the base.

![The underside of an openQCM NEXT fluidic module: the chrome-plated base with the contact pads that meet the pins in the heat-sink slot](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_module_base.png)

In this view: Flash chrome-plated aluminium base, in contact with the Peltier element; Contact pads that meet the pins in the heat-sink slot: crystal and thermistor, no cable.

## One slot, several experiments.

- **Standard fluidic module:** PTFE core with the channel engraved inside; ~50 µl chamber; FKM (Viton) O-ring. Included with the instrument.
- **Optical module:** The flow cell with a fused-silica window, 7 mm across, embedded in the PTFE core: spectroscopy or Raman on the same surface the QCM weighs. Details below.
- **Pipetting module:** An open PTFE core for direct access to the sensor: pipette a few microlitres onto the crystal, close the lid, measure. Details below.
- **Electrochemistry module:** EQCM cell on the NEXT: still an experimental prototype.

## A window on the surface the QCM weighs.

The optical module opens the fluidic chamber to light. A fused-silica (SiO₂) window sits over the crystal, so the same surface that the QCM weighs can be read by UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman and other optical probes, or simply watched. With the module in the heat sink the chamber keeps flowing and stays thermostated, and the optical path reaches the sensor from above.

The window is embedded directly in the PTFE core, with no glue or other chemical: nothing in the chamber but PTFE, silica, the O-ring and the crystal. Below, the chrome-plated aluminium base carries the proximity electronics and the 10 kΩ thermistor that closes the temperature loop, exactly as in the standard module, so the optical module plugs into the same slot and is read by the same software.
- [Price in the store](https://store.openqcm.com/optical-module-for-openqcm-next/)
- [Request a quote](https://openqcm.com/contacts?topic=quote)

![openQCM NEXT optical module, closed: the anodised shell with the silica window over the crystal and the two fluid ports](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_optical_module.png)

In this view: Anodised aluminium shell; Fused-silica window, Ø 7 mm; Two PTFE fluid ports; Two slotted nuts hold the shell on the base.

![openQCM NEXT optical module, opened: the chrome-plated base with the crystal on its spring contacts, the PTFE core with the window and the O-ring inside the shell, and the two slotted nuts](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_optical_module_open.png)

In this view: Chrome-plated aluminium base with the crystal on its spring contacts and the thermistor underneath; PTFE core with the embedded window and the FKM O-ring, slotted in the shell; Two M2.5 slotted round nuts, stainless steel.

![Transmittance of the optical module window from 200 to 1000 nm: above 92% from 320 nm, about 95% across the visible and near infrared, falling below 250 nm](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_optical_module_transmittance.png)

In this view: 92% at 326 nm; About 95% from 400 nm across the visible; Close to 100% at 1000 nm; Falls steeply below 250 nm.

## Optical module, in facts

- **Window:** Fused silica (SiO₂), Ø 7 mm, 3 mm thick
- **Mounting:** Embedded in the PTFE core, no glue or adhesive
- **Transmittance:** 92% at 326 nm, about 95% from 400 to 1000 nm; UV cut-off below 250 nm
- **Base:** Flash chrome-plated aluminium, with the proximity electronics and a 10 kΩ thermistor for the temperature loop
- **Shell:** Anodised aluminium, PTFE core inside
- **Seal:** FKM (Viton) O-ring
- **Chamber:** Flow cell with two fluid ports, thermostated by the Peltier element like the standard module
- **Works with:** UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman, microscopy or a camera; check for trapped bubbles before measuring
- **Store:** SKU OPEN-NEXT-OPT-MOD, usually ships in 3 days
- **Status:** Custom-built R&D kit for research use in the laboratory; not CE marked

## Direct access to the sensor.

The pipetting module replaces the closed flow cell with an open PTFE core: the crystal is reached directly from above. Tilt the heat sink to horizontal, pipette a few microlitres onto the sensor surface, close the small lid and measure. It is the module for evaporation studies, for samples too scarce or too viscous to pump, for casting a film and following it as it dries, and for reactions started by exposing the surface to the room, a gas or a reagent.

The PTFE core tolerates aggressive liquids and solvents. It sits in an anodised aluminium shell that improves the thermal contact and shields the sensor from electromagnetic interference; the chrome-plated base below is the same as in the other modules, with the proximity electronics and the 10 kΩ thermistor, so temperature control is kept. The parts come apart for cleaning.
- [Price in the store](https://store.openqcm.com/pipetting-module-for-openqcm-next/)
- [Request a quote](https://openqcm.com/contacts?topic=quote)

![openQCM NEXT pipetting module: the blue anodised shell with the open PTFE well over the crystal](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_pipetting_module.png)

In this view: Open PTFE well, the crystal at the bottom; Anodised aluminium shell; Two slotted nuts hold the shell on the base.

![The lid of the openQCM NEXT pipetting module sliding into the shell, with its O-ring](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/openQCM_NEXT_pipetting_module_lid.png)

In this view: Slides into the shell after pipetting; Its O-ring closes the well: less evaporation, steadier readings.

## Pipetting module, in facts

- **Access:** Open PTFE core: the sensor is reached directly from above
- **Sample:** A few microlitres pipetted onto the crystal; designed for the lowest possible volume
- **Lid:** Closes the well to limit evaporation and steady the measurement
- **Base:** Flash chrome-plated aluminium, with the proximity electronics and a 10 kΩ thermistor for the temperature loop
- **Shell:** Anodised aluminium: thermal contact and electromagnetic shielding
- **Seal:** FKM (Viton) O-ring
- **Fasteners:** Two M2.5 slotted round nuts (DIN 546), A4 marine stainless steel
- **Chemistry:** PTFE core suited to aggressive substances and solvents; disassembles for cleaning
- **Position:** Heat sink tilted to horizontal
- **Store:** SKU OPEN-NEXT-PIP-MOD, usually ships in 3 days
- **Status:** Custom-built R&D kit for research use in the laboratory; not CE marked

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openQCM by Novaetech S.r.l., Pompeii, Italy · Buy: https://store.openqcm.com/ · Contact: info@openqcm.com · https://openqcm.com/contacts