Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
The ISAAC mobile lab is equipped with a suite of FTIR spectrometers that allow both point analysis and mapping at micro and macro-level. Our systems enable the analysis in various modes such as external reflectance, transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR), depending on the needs of each project.
Applications:
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Identification of organic and inorganic materials;
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Assistance of pigments and binding media identification
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Analysis of degradation products.
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Micro Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy & mapping
The ISAAC lab offers micro FTIR spectroscopy and mapping using the standalone LUMOS II FTIR microscope. Data collection can be performed in various modes (i.e. external reflection, transmission or Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR). As the FTIR spectrometer is integrated, the microscope is easily movable to any location to assist in analysing organic and inorganic materials at the microscale. The extensive working distance allows samples and objects up to about 4 cm thick to be analysed.
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Additional accessories available:
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diamond compression cell for transmission mode
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large ATR accessory, fitted with a large germanium hemispheric crystal.
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The large ATR crystal allows surface mapping (up to 500x500 µm² scan) without the need for releasing contact from the sample. The sample is manually put into contact with the ATR crystal, allowing a higher control on the pressure applied, which decreases the risk of leaving marks and indentation on the sampling area.
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Macro Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy & mapping
The ISAAC lab is equipped with a commercial small footprint FTIR spectrometer that can be operated in external reflection mode thus enabling non-invasive and non-destructive measurements of FTIR spectra in a large spectral range (from short wave IR to mid IR).
Our FTIR mapping system is an in-house developed system that interfaces a portable external reflection FTIR with an X-Y-Z motorised translation stage (max. area 15x15 cm²) that automatically scans and produces an FTIR spectral image cube with scanning speed up to ~0.1 mm/s limited by the FTIR sensitivity.
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Portable FTIR spectrometer in external reflection mode (Alpha Bruker) at the Royal Brighton Pavilion
