How Infrared Microscopy Works & How We Save You Time & Money

Excedr - Infrared Microscopes

Whatever your infrared imaging requirements might be, the Excedr lease program can accommodate your lab’s equipment make and model preferences. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and see how leasing an infrared microscope can save you time and money.

All equipment brands/models are available

The Benefits of Excedr’s IR Microscope Leasing Program:

  • Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
  • Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
  • Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
  • Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
  • Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
  • Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

a microscope, an ocular lens, and microscopic image next to each other

Infrared radiation (IR), or infrared light, refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation that is not visible to the human eye.

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.

IR Imaging, Sample Techniques, & Cost

a hand holding an ocular lens

FTIR Imaging

FTIR spectroscopy is a well-established technique used to analyze a substance’s makeup by analyzing a material’s IR absorption and emission characteristics. The Fourier transform of FTIR refers to a specific mathematical principle that takes raw data and translates it into its corresponding spectrum.

When combined with FTIR microscopy, researchers can visualize a sample as the spectrometer analyzes it.

The FTIR spectrometer is used for spectral analysis while the detector works to image the sample. When this imaging occurs, it defines specific sample areas, or regions, as pixels. The spectrometer analyzes each pixel’s infrared spectra.

Furthermore, the microscope allows for the analysis of much smaller samples than FTIR spectroscopy alone. Nonetheless, the sample size can vary from one FTIR microscope to another. Other feature differences include fully- vs. semi-automated analysis/visualization and the ability to capture and store images or videos of the samples as the analysis occurs.

FTIR imaging is ideal for research related to materials science, failure analysis, particle analysis, and chemical analysis.

 

Reflection Measurement

This measurement method is a simple one and requires little sample prep. However, it has its limitations, like reflection measurements that are somewhat limited to certain types of samples. One such sample, according to Shimadzu, is foreign matter adhering to a highly reflective metal substrate.

The reflection technique is performed using a Cassegrain objective, which differs from a traditional microscope’s objective lens. The Cassegrain objective uses a primary and secondary mirror to send the IR beam onto the sample at a specific degree.

While simple in design, reflection measurement does not work well with dark samples. IR reflective materials work best with this objective and technique.

 

ATR Measurement

Like the reflection sample technique, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) is simple and does not require extensive sample preparation. It uses specialized crystal materials to obtain a sample’s chemical information.

More specifically, it’s used to measure the changes in an internally reflected IR beam when the beam comes in contact with a sample. The beam is directed onto an optically dense crystal with a high refractive index at a certain angle, which creates an evanescent wave that extends beyond the surface of the crystal into the sample held in contact with the crystal.

The evanescent wave becomes attenuated in regions of the IR spectra where the sample absorbs energy. This attenuated beam then returns to the crystal and exits the opposite end, directed to the detector in the IR spectrometer. The detector records the attenuated IR beam as an interferogram signal which is used to generate an IR spectrum.

 

Transmission Measurement

Transmission measurement is widely considered the most traditional method of analyzing solids, liquids, and gases. This analysis provides high sensitivity and detection of infrared sampling techniques. When performing FTIR analysis, the research must place the sample into the infrared beam of the spectrometer.

Two Cassegrain objectives are employed to measure transmission: a focusing lens and a condenser lens. The focusing objective works in the same fashion as a reflection objective. Light passes through the sample at the focal point and then hits the condenser, which collimates the beam into the detector.

Samples must be thin (the recommended size is less than 50 microns) and must be prepared into a pellet, mull, or film. Using this sampling technique, excellent spectra can be obtained for many samples. This includes various polymers, such as soluble polymers, thin polymer films, non-carbon-filled dark polymer films, irregular-shaped polymers, and regular-shaped polymers. This also includes organic powders in pellet or mull form and thermoplastic powders.

 

Focal-Plane Array Detector

There are various ways to generate an IR image. The simplest is to perform single measurements with defined distances on a sample and is referred to as single point mapping.

That said, creating IR images more effectively requires specialized detectors, which can visualize the entire IR spectrum. One of the most common detectors used in IR microscopy is the focal-plane array (FPA). This image sensor employs a variety of light-sensing pixels at the microscope’s focal plane.

The detector works by picking up photos of specific wavelengths and then creating an electric charge proportional to how many photons it detects. This electric charge is then analyzed and used to construct an image. This specific type of detector can gather up to 16,000 pixels simultaneously, which allows for IR imaging.

 

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs)

IR microscopy is a powerful imaging tool for scientists and will continue to be so into the future. However, it can take a whole day to analyze the data gathered. This makes IR microscopy reasonably limited in its usefulness in the clinical setting. However, a team of researchers at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) simplified this measurement step and reduced the analysis time from a day to a few minutes.

They achieved this by using quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Unlike conventional IR microscopes, QCL-based IR microscopes can employ only a single frequency that cuts down on the measuring and analyzing phases. These QCL-based IR can be used in the label-free classification of cancer tissues.

In a study of 110 tissue samples, this method proved to have 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to histopathology, the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. A rapid cancer diagnosis is vital in cancer treatment. The earlier doctors can diagnose it, the better chances a patient will have positive treatment options.

 

We Offer IR Microscope Leases to Fit Every Need

an ocular lens and eyepiece tube with a microscopic image displayed

When money is tight, purchasing an IR microscope can significantly affect your lab’s budget. However, robust and essential equipment makes up a cornerstone of life sciences and material sciences R&D and quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA). It makes finding a workaround critical to the success of your research. Our IR microscope leases are designed to be that workaround.

Whatever your microscopy and imaging system needs are—FTIR microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, or Raman microscopes—we can help. If you already have an instrument quote from a manufacturer, request a lease estimate below, and we can start creating custom lease terms for you and your lab. On the other hand, if you’re still figuring out your options, get in touch with us above, and we can cover the ins and outs of our lease program.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.

IR & FTIR Microscope Manufacturers & Models
Learn More

ThermoFisher:
Nicolet iN5, Nicolet iN10, Nicolet iN10 MX

Nikon:
Eclipse FN1

Bruker:
Lumos, HYPERION Series

Perkin Elmer:
Spotlight 200i, Spotlight 400, Spotlight 400N

Agilent:
Cary 610, Cary 620

Jasco:
IRT-5000,IRT-5200, IRT-7000, IRT-7200, IRT-1000

Shimadzu:
AIM-9000

Photon etc.:
Hyperspectral: IMA

NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments:
NETGRA Nano IR

Santa Barbara Imaging

Quantum Focus Instruments Corp. (QFI):
InfraScope

MotionX Corp.:
IREM

and more!

 

Operating Capital Benefits

Operating Capital Benefits

Excedr's operating lease structure allows you to keep your business credit line open for expansions, staffing, and other operational expenses. Additionally, it strengthens the cash flow of your business and keeps cash reserves free for business development opportunities.

Effects on Credit

Effects on Credit

Leasing / renting provides you with non-dilutive financing and does not hinder your future borrowing ability. You're able to acquire the equipment you need without the baggage associated with traditional financing.

Speed of Approval

Speed of Approval

Excedr's program allows you to respond quickly as your need for equipment and technology arises. You can be approved with minimal documentation and have the equipment you need in operation and generating revenue for your business quickly.

Refurbished Equipment

Refurbished Equipment

Unlike traditional financing and leasing companies, the Excedr program can accommodate refurbished equipment in addition to demo units. If you are looking for additional cost-savings, we recommend considering this option.