Microanalysis has recently acquired a Perkin Elmer Spectrum Two Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, with both transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) modules to assist in its materials analysis capabilities.
For the ATR technique, a liquid or solid is placed on top of a diamond crystal, and exposed to an infrared beam, across a range of wavelengths, normally from 2.5 μm to 25 μm (wavenumber range 4000 cm−1 to 400 cm−1), that passes through the diamond crystal forming an evanescent wave that penetrates and reflects off the surface off the sample.
Infrared light will be absorbed or emitted depending upon the chemical bonding within the material and the subsequent spectral fingerprints generated can be interrogated, to determine material composition as shown in the example below.
The technique is non-destructive and enables samples to be examined directly in the solid or liquid state without further preparation. Microanalysis will be using the Spectrum Two FTIR to extend and complement our existing capabilities in:
- The identification of unknown solid materials,
- The analysis of polymers including surface degradation (eg. UV or heat)
- Liquid analyte quantitation
- Alpha quartz quantitation
- Lubricant and fuel analysis
Check out the PerkinElmer Spectrum Two IR video for more information
