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Product Photo: AIRsight Infrared Raman Microscope with IRXross Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer Connected

Shimadzu announces the release of the AIRsight infrared Raman microscope. This product is the world’s only microscope on the known market that allows two different analytical techniques, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, to be performed with one instrument. It is useful for the analysis of trace contaminants, quality control in the chemical, electrical, electronic, machinery, and transportation equipment fields, and for research into microplastics.

An infrared microscope combines an infrared spectroscopy analytical instrument and an optical microscope. Since a comprehensive qualitative analysis database is available, this microscope is widely used to detect impurities. In contrast, a Raman microscope is a combination of instruments that detect the spectra acquired using Raman spectroscopy and an optical microscope. This type of microscope shows its effectiveness when analyzing aqueous solutions, inorganic substances, and microscopic samples, which are difficult to analyze using an infrared microscope.

This product brings to reality a microscope that employs two different analytical techniques: infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is the only microscope capable of acquiring infrared spectra and Raman spectra from the same position in an extremely small section. The combination of two analytical techniques provides complementary information. Without moving the sample, spectra can be acquired from the same stage. Moreover, it requires less space compared to a setup where both an infrared microscope and a Raman microscope are installed. Additionally, since the same software can be used for control of both techniques, operability is enhanced. Note that to use this product, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer needs to be connected.

By continuously providing even more precise analytical data for a broad variety of applications, Shimadzu contributes to solving challenges in society, such as the analysis of contaminants and microplastics.

• Note 1: The following three FTIR models can be connected to this product: IRTracer-100, IRXross, and IRAffinity-1S. IRSpirit, a compact FTIR model, cannot be connected.
• Note 2: AIRsight, IRTracer, IRXross, IRAffinity, and IRSpirit are registered trademarks of Shimadzu Corporation.

Features

1.  Both Infrared and Raman Measurements Possible without Moving the Sample

Once the sample has been set on the infrared Raman microscope stage, both infrared spectra and Raman spectra can be acquired from the same position in an extremely small section, without moving the sample. It eliminates the time required to search for the measurement position when performing analyses using two instruments. This product is equipped with Shimadzu’s proprietary wide-view camera, infrared microscope camera, and Raman-use objective lens. The wide-view camera not only enables observations up to a 10 × 13 mm area, but it also supports variable digital zooming. Additionally, it shares positional information with the infrared microscope camera and Raman-use objective lens, which ensures that the target of interest is observed. The infrared microscope camera can be used to observe areas as small as 30 × 40 µm, and the Raman-use 100× objective lens to observe areas as small as 7.5 × 10 µm.

2.  Both Infrared and Raman Measurements and Analysis Possible with One Software

The type of spectra to be acquired can be switched using the AMsolution control software. The software can also overlay and search infrared and Raman spectra, create libraries, and so on.

3. Information Provided for Organic and Inorganic Substances with One Microscope

Though infrared microscopes are useful for analyzing organic substances, they have difficulty obtaining information for some inorganic substances. On the other hand, Raman microscopes can obtain information about inorganic substances, such as titanium oxide and carbon. By using this product, it is possible to analyze the main organic substances as well as any inorganic additives using a single microscope. 

4. AMsolution Control Software Includes a Length Measurement Function

Using the AMsolution control software, the length of the targeted object can be measured. Simply clicking the start and end points for the measurement displays the measurement length in the window. Also, length measurement results can be output with a single button click. This function is convenient for measuring the diameter of microplastic particles.

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AIRsight