How IR Spectrometers Work & How We Save You Time & Money
IR spectroscopy is a powerful tool in the laboratory. Regardless of which one you’re interested in, Excedr’s lease program can source all instrument types and accommodate any brand preferences you may have. Request an IR spectrometer lease estimate today and see how leasing can benefit your lab.
All equipment brands/models are available
Excedr’s Infrared Spectrometer 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.
Infrared spectroscopy describes the interaction of infrared radiation (IR) with matter.
More specifically, it is a spectroscopic technique used to identify and study inorganic and organic compounds based on their light absorption in the IR spectrum. Depending on which type of spectrometer you use, the technique detects photons that are transmitted, absorbed, or reflected when a sample is excited using IR light. The chemicals studied can be in solid, liquid, or gas forms.
The infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum has longer wavelengths and a lower frequency than visible light, making it more suitable for molecular vibration studies. This spectrum is usually divided into three regions: the near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared, and are named for their relation to the visible spectrum.
While spectroscopy, as a whole, is the study of interactions between matter and radiated energy, spectrometry is the method used to acquire a quantitative measurement. In other words, actually collecting data is made possible with a spectrometer. In the case of IR spectroscopy, an IR spectrometer is used.
Today, one of the most common types of IR spectrometers today is the Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), which employs an interferometer rather than a dispersive monochromator. An FTIR spectrometer produces an infrared spectrum using a broadband IR light source that illuminates the sample. It is eventually visualized as a graph by measuring infrared light absorption and the frequency or wavelengths on their respective axes.
IR spectroscopy relies on the fact that molecules absorb frequencies in a way that is characteristic of their unique structures. This includes the resonant frequencies of each chemical. The absorbed radiation matches the vibrational frequency, which occurs because the energies are affected by the masses of the atoms, the unique shapes of the molecular potential energy surfaces, and the vibronic coupling.
For a sample to be considered IR active, it needs to experience changes in the dipole moment. This refers to vibrational modes, which are a measure of vibrational freedom that varies with the number of atoms and whether the structure is linear or nonlinear.
Other applications of IR spectroscopy, other than organic and inorganic R&D, include chemical analysis, environmental testing, and forensics, which we will cover briefly below.
Uses, Benefits, & FTIR Spectrometer Device Cost
IR spectroscopy is complex. However, its practical uses are plenty. Due to their usefulness, these devices can be of immense help to organic and inorganic chemists, as well as a wide variety of scientists and researchers in the life sciences.
Below, we will cover some of the most common analytical uses for infrared spectroscopy and briefly review the basic instrumentation of the IR spectrometer.
Spectrometer Instrumentation
FTIR spectrometers are the most common types of IR spectrometers. They are extremely useful, but how they work isn’t always intuitive. Understanding the various uses of these devices can help you maximize their use. There are three main things you should know:
- FTIR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is a specific measurement technique that allows for recording within the infrared spectra. This is completed by guiding the light through the sample and an interferometer. The signal is read and notated to the interferogram. The data is then processed using the Fourier transform method turning it from raw data into the result, light as a function of IR wavelength.
- Sample Preparation: Preparing samples is dependent on the state that it is in. Gaseous samples are often placed in test tubes with transparent windows. Liquid samples are placed between two plates of sodium chloride. Solid samples have more options, sometimes being crushed into an oily mulling agent, other times being ground with a sample of purified salt, and occasionally dissolving the sample into a solvent and then evaporating it.
- Reference Comparison: When performing this technique, it is normal to record the sample’s spectrum and a reference. This helps control for several variables, especially instrument influence.
Another type of IR spectrometer is available, which employs a different kind of spectroscopy: dispersive absorption IR spectroscopy.
The first IR spectrometers, developed in the mid 1940s, used dispersive absorption spectroscopy, which differed from FTIR (FTIR wouldn’t be developed until the 1960s) in that dispersive IR is a type of grating spectrometry. It gives spectra of different orders directly. On the other hand, FT-IR requires processing and is an indirect way to obtain the same spectra.
These early spectrometers use an IR source and lenses. However, the similarities between them and modern spectrometers end there. The bigggest difference is that an FTIR spectrometer uses an interferometer, rather than a monochromator, to detect all wavelengths simultaneously.
FTIR spectrometers provide more advantages than dispersive absorption instruments, which have made them the go-to spectrometer in modern labs. These devices offer improved signal-to-noise ratio, spectral quality, data collection speed, reproducibility, and ease of use. Most IR spectroscopy instruments available today rely on FTIR.
Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
IR spectroscopy offers reliable techniques for inorganic and organic chemistry applications, whether research-oriented or industrially related. Everything from monitoring applications, dynamic measurements, and even quality control can benefit from this technique.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis also uses this technique in both criminal and civil cases. Polymer degradation is a standard application in this field and is often used when determining the blood alcohol content of people suspected of driving while drunk.
Manufacturing
Quantifying polymer degradation is also applicable in a manufacturing setting. This is used to determine the degree of polymerization in polymer manufacturing. Measuring the bond at a specific frequency over a period of time makes changes more visible and increases the speed and accuracy at which chemical reactions are observed.
Microelectronics
Microelectronics can utilize this technique to analyze semiconductors such as silicon, gallium nitride, zinc selenide, gallium arsenide, amorphous silicon, silicon nitride, and other materials.
Infrared Radiation & NASA
As of 2014, even NASA utilizes IR spectroscopy to track polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the universe. PAHs may be related to more than 20% of all the carbon in the universe and could be the basis for the formation of life after the Big Bang.
Vibrational Spectroscopy System Leases to Fit Every Need
No matter what your equipment needs happen to be, chances are we can help. We offer flexible equipment leases on a wide range of infrared instrumentation, from IR spectrophotometers to IR microscopes.
Furthermore, we offer a wide range of spectrometers that employ a variety of spectroscopy. This includes UV/VIS-NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy instruments.
Gain access to the technology you need, simplify the equipment procurement process, and make managing cash and assets easier. If you have an instrument quote from a manufacturer, request a lease estimate below, and we can create customized lease terms just for you. Alternatively, if you’d just like to learn more about our lease program, feel free to get in touch with us above.
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.
Infrared Spectrometer Manufacturers & Models
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Shimadzu:
IRSpirit Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer, IRTracer-100 FTIR Spectrophotometer, IRAffinity-1S, AIM-9000 Infrared Microscope
Thermo Fisher:
GC-IR Interface Nicolet FTIR Spectrometers, Nicolet iS5 FTIR Spectrometer, Nicolet iS10 FT-IR Spectrometer, Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer, Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer, Nicolet iS20, Nicolet iS50 GC-IR Interface Module Right, Nicolet iS50R Research FTIR Spectrometer, Nicolet iG50, Affirma In-service Lubricant Analysis System, Nicolet iN 5 FTIR Microscope, Nicolet iN 10 Infrared Microscope, Nicolet iN 10 MX, Nicolet Continuum
Agilent:
Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer, Cary 660, Cary 670, 4300 Handheld FTIR, 4500 Series portable FTIR, 4500 Dialpath, 4500t, 4500a, 5500 Series Compact FTIR, 5500 Dialpath, 5500t, 5500a, Cary 610, Cary 620
Perkin Elmer:
Spotlight 200i FT-IR Microscopy System with Frontier, Frontier Optica, Spectrum Two FT-IR Spectrometer, Frontier Biodiesel FAME Analyzer, Frontier MIR Spectrometer, OilExpress 4 XL DUO, Spectrum Two IR Biodiesel Analysis System, Spectrum Two Nutraceutical & TCM System, Spectrum Two Polymer QA/QC Analysis System, Spectrum Two Environmental Hydrocarbon Analysis System, Spectrum Two Pharmaceutical System, Spectrum Two Educational System, Spectrum Two In-Service Lubricant Analysis System, Spectrum 3 FT-IR Spectrometer, Polymer ID Analyzer Spotlight 400 FT-IR Imaging system, Spotlight 200i FT-IR Microscopy System
Newport Corporation:
Oriel MIR8035 FT-IR Spectrometer Scanners
Bruker:
INVENIO, VERTEX Series, VERTEX 70v, VERTEX 80, VERTEX 80v, IFS 125HR FTIR Spectrometer, MATRIX-MF FTIR Spectrometer, IRcube FTIR OEM Spectrometer, ALPHA II, CryoSAS, SiBrickScan (SBS) Silicon Ingot Analyzer, CONFOCHECK
JASCO:
FT/IR-4000 Series, FT/IR-4600, FT/IR-4700, FT/IR-6000 Series, FT/IR-6600, FT/IR-6700, FT/IR-6800, VIR Series Portable FTIR Spectrometer, VIR-100 General Purpose Mid IR SPectrometer, VIR-200
High Resolution Mid-IR Spectrometer, IRT-5000 FTIR Microscope, IRT-7000 FTIR Linear Array Imaging Microscope, IRT-1000 Microscope
Arcoptix:
FT-MIR Rocket, FT-MIR 2-6, FT-MIR 1.5-8.5, FT-IR 2-12, FTIR-FC, FTIR-FC-4TE, FTIR-FC-LN, FTIR Rocket OEM, FTIR-OEM000-CAF2, FTIR-OEM000-ZNSE
ABB:
MB3000 Series, MB3000, MB3000-PH, MB36000-CH90
Buck Scientific:
M530 Infrared Spectrophotometer, Advanced M530 Package, M530 Quick-Scan
Horiba:
FTX-ONE, MEXA-ONE-FT
and more!
