Infrared Microscope
Infrared spectra of polypropylene-based (containing TALC) resin for automotive bumpers are shown to the right to compare the three detectors. The sample was placed in a diamond cell and measured in transmission method. It was measured by the T2SL and TEC MCT with a 25 × 25 μm aperture size, and by the DLATGS with a 100 × 100 μm aperture size. Liquid nitrogen was not used with the TEC MCT, and it is evident that there is a little more noise in the spectrum collected with the T2SL, which does require liquid nitrogen. A larger aperture is needed for data collection with the DLATGS detector due to its much lower sensitivity than the T2SL and TEC MCT. However, the DLATGS does have the advantage of being able to measure the sample in the low wavenumber region (down to 400 cm−1).
Choose the optimal detector for the application. The T2SL*1 detector is ideal for measuring microscopic areas 25 μm in size or smaller. A room temperature detector (DLATGS)*2, *3 is also available for acquiring data with a wavenumber range up to 400 cm−1.
| Detector | T2SL *1 | TEC MCT *2 | DLATGS *2,*3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Optional | Standard | Optional | Optional |
| Suitable Measurement Size | 10 × 10 μm or larger | 25 × 25 μm or larger | 100 × 100 μm or larger *4 |
| Liquid Nitrogen | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Measured Wavenumber Range | 5,000–700 cm−1 | 5,000–700 cm−1 | 4,600–400 cm−1 |
* 1: Liquid nitrogen is required when using the T2SL.
* 2: TEC MCT and DLATGS cannot be installed at the same time.
* 3: The DLATGS can measure across a wide wavenumber range. However, its sensitivity is substantially lower than the T2SL and TEC MCT.
* 4: Measurable size in transmission/reflection method.
The ATR objective mirror uses a cone-type prism, with single reflection, 15× magnification, and a 45-degree incident angle. This slide-on type prism makes it easy to switch back and forth between visible observation and infrared measurement. This mirror is especially effective in analyzing samples that do not transmit or reflect infrared light easily, such as paper and plastics, or extremely thin films, such as stains.
This pressure sensor prevents prism damage due to excessive pressures applied during ATR measurements using an ATR objective objective mirror. It can also be used to automate ATR measurement with pressure sensing.
The Grazing angle objective with 80-degree incident angle is effective for the measurement of organic thin film with a nm thickness level on metal substrates. In case of failure analysis, this objective is useful for the measurement of samples on concave surfaces or stains on a metal surface.
Infrared spectra of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
By adding this DLATGS detector to an AIMsight infrared microscope, infrared spectra can be obtained without liquid nitrogen. It is also possible to switch back and forth between the T2SL and DLATGS detectors as needed. The DLATGS detector offers a wider wavenumber range (up to 400 cm-1) than the T2SL detector, but with lower sensitivity. Therefore, the T2Sl detector is used to measure micro samples less than 100 µm.
Infrared spectra of a single fiber
This diamond compression cell is used to compress micro samples very thin for direct measurement under the microscope. It can be used for samples such as plastics and fibers. This CII cell features a large thin window plate made of artificial diamond (1.6 mm diameter).
This accessory is useful for researching the orientation characteristics of samples, or increasing sensitivity with Grazing Angle Objective measurements. It can be used by inserting it into the microscope from the side.
This accessory is useful for visible observation of samples that are normally difficult to observe using visible light. Using the properties of polarized light can make samples easier to see.
AMsolution includes a guidance function to support measurements.
The function focuses on each of the operation's steps, displaying the position of the button to click, tips about setting conditions, and precautions in the AMsolution Measurement window. There is no need to read thick instruction manuals in detail.
Using AMsolution, the spectrum displayed in the Data View area, the spectrum after data processing, and the search results can be printed in a standard report format. Data can also be output in Microsoft® Word* format and edited freely by adding images, spectra, and comments to customize the document to the preferred format.
* Microsoft Word is the word processing software provided by Microsoft.
The AMsolution measurement program also features a Validation Program to check and confirm the performance of Shimadzu Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers and the Shimadzu AIM-9000 Infrared Microscope. Validation can be done automatically using a standard polystyrene film with traceability etc. in accordance with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP), US Pharmacopeia (USP), the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP).
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Items conforming to the Japan Pharmacopoeia, US Pharmacopeia, European Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are inspected
・Shape and intensity of power spectra
・Following items of polystyrene film spectrum
Resolution
Wavenumber accuracy
Wavenumber repeatability
Transmittance (absorbance) repeatability
Peak separation function
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Notes:
• Wavenumber repeatability is an inspection item only in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia.
• The peak separation function is an inspection item only in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
• The only US Pharmacopeia inspection item is wavenumber accuracy.
A library creation function is included as standard with the AMsolution analysis program. An original library can be created by registering the infrared spectra obtained by the analyst. The library created can be used for searches. Qualitative accuracy is improved by registering materials used in products and the substances handled during the manufacturing process, and using them as a library.
This unique library was created by Shimadzu especially for analyzing contaminants in tap water and food products. The library includes information about samples collected as contaminants and service parts commercially marketed for tap water applications. It also includes a collection of X-ray fluorescence profiles (PDF files). Consequently, it can significantly improve the qualitative accuracy of the objects. Unlike previous libraries, this is a mixture library that covers the extensive knowledge and experience necessary for qualitative analysis.
This unique library includes information about plastics that have been damaged due to oxidation by heating. The libraries are especially useful for analyzing damaged objects, which are common.
*1: Shimadzu created the library using spectra obtained by the Hamamatsu Technical Support Center, Industrial Research Institute of Shizuoka Prefecture.
This unique library includes information about plastics that have been damaged due to oxidation by Ultraviolet rays. The libraries are especially useful for analyzing damaged contaminant substances, which are common.
*2: Plastics that were damaged for 10 years worth by using an Iwasaki Electric super accelerated weathering tester were measured and compiled as a library by Shimadzu Corporation.
Activate John Wiley & Sons, Inc. KnowItAll from a button in the LabSolutions IR software to automatically transfer the active spectrum. With KnowItAll, you can perform searches using a rich library, analysis of constituent components and constituent ratios by mixture analysis, and functional group analysis by searching for functional groups of specified peaks.
