Infrared/Raman Microscope AIRsight

Význam tématu

Infrared and Raman microspectroscopy each provide unique molecular insights: infrared excels in detecting polar functional groups, while Raman is highly sensitive to non-polar bonds and inorganic substances. Integrating both techniques in a single microscope streamlines analysis, enhances qualitative accuracy, and reduces sample handling. This combined approach is critical for fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage, where precise characterization of micro-scale samples is essential.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This whitepaper introduces Shimadzu’s AIRsight™ infrared/Raman microscope system, highlighting how a unified platform enables complementary FTIR and Raman measurements at the identical sample location. The objectives include demonstrating system configuration, key software features, and applications across diverse sample types to showcase enhanced analytical efficiency and data reliability.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

Key methodological elements:

• Combined FTIR/Raman microscope (AIRsight), allowing seamless switching between both modalities without moving the sample.
• Infrared subsystem with interchangeable detectors: T2SL (liquid-nitrogen cooled), TEC MCT (Peltier-cooled), or DLATGS, plus ATR objective mirror and pressure sensor for non-transparent samples.
• Raman subsystem with confocal optics, dual laser sources (532 nm for strong scattering, 785 nm to minimize fluorescence), and interchangeable 50×/100× objectives with XYZ correction.
• AMsolution software suite: single-window control for image acquisition, point/area/depth mapping, spectral overlay, library search, multivariate analysis (PCA/MCR), high-speed mapping, and particle analysis modules.
• Integration with LabSolutions IR and Wiley KnowItAll libraries for advanced spectral search and mixture analysis.

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

Application examples demonstrate the system’s versatility:

• Contaminant identification on tablet surfaces: Combined IR spectra flagged mannitol in normal areas and Raman confirmed iron oxide in contaminants.
• Pigment analysis on historical wood samples: Trace detection of BaSO₄ by IR and Pb₃O₄ by Raman in micro-quantity pigments.
• Microplastic detection: IR and Raman spectra acquired from 1–115 µm particles, allowing identification of polystyrene beads.
• Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film characterization: Raman I(D)/I(G), FWHM(G), and hydrogen content mapping to assess crystallinity and film quality.
• Li-ion battery electrode mapping: Raman area mapping of graphite G-band highlighted component distribution in negative electrode materials.
• Pharmaceutical polymorphs: Raman distinguished caffeine monohydrate and anhydrous forms by characteristic peak shifts (887 and 1656 cm⁻¹).
• Multilayer films and coatings: IR/Raman cross-section mapping revealed phthalate ester and TiO₂ layer distributions; depth mapping characterized acrylic resin layers in automotive paint without sectioning.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

The unified IR/Raman microscope offers:

• Improved qualitative accuracy by co-locating measurements in sub-10 µm regions.
• Enhanced workflow efficiency through smart software automation, high-speed mapping, and instrument self-validation.
• Space and cost savings from a single integrated instrument versus separate systems.
• Versatile analysis modes including ATR, transmission, reflection, confocal depth profiling, and particle statistics for QA/QC and R&D.

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Expected developments include:

• Integration of AI-driven spectral interpretation and automated defect recognition to minimize operator dependency.
• Cloud-based data sharing and remote monitoring for real-time instrument diagnostics and collaborative analysis.
• Expanded spectral libraries covering emerging polymers, contaminants, and biomaterials to support environmental and biomedical applications.
• Enhanced spatial resolution via advanced optics and laser sources to probe nano-scale heterogeneities.

Závěr

Shimadzu’s AIRsight microscope demonstrates that harmonizing FTIR and Raman within a single platform delivers comprehensive molecular characterization with high spatial precision, streamlined workflows, and robust data quality. Its adaptability to diverse research and industrial challenges makes it a powerful tool for analytical chemists seeking deeper insights into complex materials.

Reference

• Application News No. 01-00394: Contaminant analysis on pharmaceutical tablets
• Application News No. 01-00395: Pigment analysis on historical wood
• Application News No. 01-00396: Microplastic particle identification
• Application News No. 01-00397: Diamond-like carbon film evaluation
• Application News No. 01-00465: Multilayer film mapping and automotive paint depth profiling