Agilent Cary 610/620 FTIR microscopes and imaging systems

Significance of the Topic

The Agilent Cary 610/620 FTIR microscopes and imaging systems address critical challenges in spatially resolved chemical analysis by combining high sensitivity, exceptional spatial resolution and rapid data acquisition. These instruments enable scientists to investigate complex materials, biological specimens and industrial samples with synchrotron-comparable performance in routine laboratory settings.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document introduces the capabilities of the Cary 610 single-point FTIR microscope and the Cary 620 Focal Plane Array (FPA) imaging system. Key aims include demonstrating:

• Enhanced spatial resolution and data quality.
• High-throughput imaging of large sample areas.
• Applications across materials science, life sciences and electronics.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Cary 610 and 620 couple to either a Cary 660 or Cary 670 FTIR spectrometer. The Cary 610 supports point mapping, while the Cary 620 employs an FPA detector to collect up to 16 384 spectra in a single shot. High-magnification optics (4× IR objective and 15× objective) allow spatial resolution down to 1.1 µm. Live ATR imaging streamlines sample preparation, eliminating resin embedding for thin films.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Cary 610 FTIR Microscope (point mapping).
• Agilent Cary 620 FTIR Microscope (FPA imaging).
• Cary 660 FTIR Spectrometer.
• Cary 670 FTIR Spectrometer (air bearing).
• Resolutions Pro Software with Imaging Method Editor.

Main Results and Discussion

1. Imaging Challenge and Throughput

• The Cary 620 imaged a 50×50 mm USAF resolution target at 19 µm in 90 minutes, a 700×700 µm area at 5.5 µm in minutes, and a 280×280 µm region at 1.1 µm in 2 minutes.
• FPA detection offers a drastic improvement over linear array methods, removing trade-offs between field of view, resolution and acquisition time.

2. Polymers and Laminates

• Layer identification down to 2 µm and defect recognition accelerated packaging QA workflows.
• Live ATR imaging of thin films in micro-vice eliminated 24 h resin embedding, yielding results in under 5 minutes.

3. Defect and Failure Analysis

• Micron-scale chemical mapping of LCD color filters and PCB contaminants without sample damage, thanks to real-time ATR contact feedback.
• Identification of manufacturing residues such as polyetherimide and impact modifiers.

4. Biological and Biomedical Research

• High magnification FTIR imaging delivers synchrotron-level data in under 10 % of the time, enabling disease research on tissues and cells.
• Unstained chemical contrast supports early detection of biochemical changes in cancer and other pathologies.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These FTIR microscopes offer:

• Rapid, high-resolution chemical imaging across large sample areas.
• Non-destructive analysis of delicate and critical samples.
• Flexible upgrade path from Cary 610 to Cary 620 as research needs evolve.
• Streamlined workflows for QA/QC, materials development and biomedical studies.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integrated hyperspectral data analytics, machine learning–driven defect recognition, and multimodal imaging coupling FTIR with Raman or X-ray modalities. Emerging fields such as nanomaterials, organoid research and in situ reaction monitoring stand to benefit from further improvements in detector sensitivity and automation.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary 610/620 FTIR microscopes deliver unmatched performance for spatially resolved chemical analysis, matching synchrotron capabilities in a benchtop format. Their speed, sensitivity and flexibility support diverse applications from industrial QA to cutting-edge biomedical research.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies Application Note 5991-5217EN, October 2014