Infrared (IR) spectrometers measure the wavelength and intensity of the absorption of infrared light by a sample. Infrared light lies between the visible and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum and has a range of wavelengths. Near infrared light is closest in wavelength to visible light. By contrast, far infrared light is closest to the microwave region. Mid-infrared light is energetic enough to excite molecular vibrations to higher energy levels. These vibrations, which are...
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Q & A on Infrared Spectrometers
We asked our users for their input on Infrared Spectrometers. Here are the results of 144 users familiar with Infrared Spectrometers.
Who Took Our Poll? | Design Trends | Applications and Use | Features | Buying Advice |Design TrendsTop
What new technologies are influencing infrared spectrometer design?
19 answers
Computing power and cost, optics size resolution and cost, display options size and cost speed, ease of software configuration, user friendly for research, room temperature detectors
~Chris Chi, Lecturer product development medical, Auckland, New zealand
Step Scan & Nanosecod TRS, Microscopic Studies with Focal Plane Array detectors (Imaging systems). Improved interferometer designs & dynamic alignment features.
~Sanjeev Jain, Worked as an engineer & now a company owner, Delhi, India
The design and construction of new solid laser in the IR region, IR detectors, IR cameras, IR binoculars, optical components.
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~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
From your perspective, which companies are creating the most innovative infrared spectrometers?
19 answers
Even could've seen as Old Foss, keep according my experience the cutting edge, but we should take a look on ASDI.
~Francisco R Miranda, Engineering Consultant, Santiago, Chile
Agilent Technologies (Earlier it was Varian/Biorad/Digilab),Thermo (Earlier Nicolet), Brucker & Perkin-Elmer
~Sanjeev Jain, Worked as an engineer & now a company owner, Delhi, India
1.- Bruker
2.- Horiba
3.- Ocean optics
4.- Hamamatsu
5.- BWTEK
6.- OptoTherm
7.- Perkin Elmers
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~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
Applications and UseTop
What are some of the applications you have used infrared spectrometers for?
40 answers
Surface analysis, pyrolisis products analysis, determined benzene levels to within .05%,compound analysis, purity studies, biological materials analysis, built an extensive in plant library of products purchased, manufactured, and helped determine what levels of chemicals were missing in certain troublesome formulations, used in concert with other techniques(TLC for ex.).
~Marketing/Sales, Brampton, Canada
The applications we used with the infrared spectrometers depend the in which region of the IR radiation we are working. We used the near IR for finding electronic transition in semiconductors. We use FT infrared spectrometers to determined the vibration modes in solids or liquids.
~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
Metallica nanofilms, organic layers over metallic nanoparticles, oxide nanoparticles, evolution of pectin in passion fruit during drying process, study of encapsulants for photovoltaic devices.
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~Eduardo M, Professor, São Mateus, Brasil
Please share with us any “non-standard” applications that infrared spectrometers have been used for.
11 answers
Traces of acetate fibers in linen of XIX century painting ( Ha-ha-ha! Cellulose acetate is known since 1920's, not earlier).
~Andrey Mezinov, General Management, Moscow, Russia
Receiving IR, RS, PL spectra simultaneously from one point of investigated sample (without removing of investigated sample).
~Sergo Gotoshia V, Research & Development, Tbilisi, Georgia
The non-standard applications come when we use the good spectra from the IR instrument with good software simulation.
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~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
Do you know of any disastrous mistakes that occurred due to the incorrect usage of infrared spectrometers?
10 answers
When the range of spectrometers is chosen incorrectly, the characteristic spectra of the subject will not be fixed or false spectra will be fixed. In a case of choosing low resolution, the investigator will not receive the necessary information enclosing in fine structure of spectra. Similarly, when choosing the spectrometer with low sensitivity and spectral methodics, the researcher will not be able to find, fix the subject under investigation.
~Sergo Gotoshia V, Research & Development, Tbilisi, Georgia
Excessive humidity in the room is usually a great problem. The environment has to be controlled or the spectrometer isolated and purged.
~Eduardo M, Professor, São Mateus, Brasil
Defeating the laser interlock by one of the people who lost his vision partially as he directly looked into the laser beam.
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~Sanjeev Jain, Worked as an engineer & now a company owner, Delhi, India
FeaturesTop
What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?
20 answers
Combination of FTIR with universal ATR that could be used both as IR microscope and standard ATR, that also could be used for transmission and diffuse investigations. The idea behind this system - no need for changing anything in the sample compartment or purchasing expensive FTIR microscope/accessories: all-in-one.
~Andrey Mezinov, General Management, Moscow, Russia
The most important future will be to have information about nano or micro resolution of the morphology, chemical composition and the irrational modes in area selected in the sample with the same instrument.
~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
A continuation of computing power and cost , optics size resolution and cost, display options size and cost speed, ease of software configuration, user friendly for research, room temperature detectors.
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~Chris Chi, Lecturer product development medical, Auckland, New zealand
Buying AdviceTop
Do you have any advice for people relative to buying or using infrared spectrometers?
16 answers
Invest in the ATR module. Take the time to align the beam prior to taking spectra. Run the periodic maintenance tests periodically. Run a compound with an N-H stretch periodically to make sure your source is not dying. Never turn the instrument off and let condensation get into the internal lenses.
~Tom P, Instructor, Allentown, PA
Make sure the device purchased matches as closely as possible the actual application. Don't pay for abilities you will never use, and make certain the equipment has the capabilities needed.
~John N, Engineering Consultant, St Paul, MN
For researchers working in organic, inorganic chemistry, biology, environmental monitoring, or nanosciences it is essential to have IR and Raman spectrometers.
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~Sergo Gotoshia V, Research & Development, Tbilisi, Georgia
Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of infrared spectrometers?
9 answers
Before selection or usage of IR and R-spectrometers it is necessary for researchers to know exactly the objectives of investigation. According to subject under investigation spectrometer type, spectral range, resolution and sensitivity should be chosen.
~Sergo Gotoshia V, Research & Development, Tbilisi, Georgia
It is very important to select carefully the range in the IR spectrum for the application, the technical service you will receive, and may be technical training with the new instrument.
~Santos Lopez, Research & Development, Merida, Venezuela
Sample preparation and calibration is of great importance. Measurement principles need to be understood to get the most of the measurement apparatus.
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~Angel Torres, Research & Development, Bournemouth, UK
