More specifically, it describes light with wavelengths from 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter in length. It is called infrared because it lies along the “red” portion of the electromagnetic spectrum instead of ultraviolet radiation, which has shorter wavelengths than IR and exists along the violet portion of the spectrum. Though IR is not perceivable to humans through sight, we can feel it as heat.

Infrared microscopy, referred to as infrared microspectroscopy when combined with infrared spectroscopy, is a technique that uses IR as a light source to aid in magnifying objects that would usually be invisible to the naked eye.

A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer is used with an optical microscope equipped with an IR detector in typical IR microscopy. The use of FTIR spectroscopy gives FITR microscopy its name.

IR microscopy is a powerful and versatile technique with many applications commonly used for chemical imaging, gemological testing, and much more. This includes particle analysis, multilayer film characterization, and sample ID, as well as secondary-structure protein analysis, microplastics identification, and polymer analysis.

Like most microscopy techniques, IR microscopy is diffraction-limited. However, several sub-diffraction IR microscopy techniques have been developed. As IR imaging has matured, manufacturers such as Bruker and PerkinElmer have designed innovative instrumentation that offers microscopes with high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and ease of use.

Despite the innovations, IR and FTIR microscopes and technology remain costly. Which means it’s not always beneficial to purchase one of these instruments outright.

In the face of these financial challenges, our equipment leases offer a way to make these costs more manageable. Let us know what you’re interested in, and we can go over the advantages of our lease program and create a customized lease estimate for you.