Infrared

Perkin-Elmer Spectrum Spotlight 300

The Perkin-Elmer Spectrum Spotlight 300 infrared imaging microscope is a fully integrated system, which can be employed in both array and point detector imaging modes. The array detection mode allows one to generate molecular specific images over a total area of 1.64 cm2 consisting of up to 260K spectra. Pixel resolution in this mode is either 6.25 or 25 micrometers allowing images to be collected more rapidly than the serial collection point detector. The array detector provides a useful spectral range of 7800 to 720 cm-1, while the point detector affords a range of 7800 to 580 cm-1. Transmission, reflection and ATR spectra and images can be collected in the point mode, while only transmission and reflectance capabilities are available with the array detection. ATR mapping using the array detector is currently being developed in our laboratory.

Spectral Dimensions Insight Imaging Microscope

The MML has recently acquired this imaging microscope as part of a research agreement with Spectral Dimensions, Inc. The system is based on the Spectra-Tech ImageMax microscope, a stepscan interferometer, and a 64 X 64 MCT focal plane array detector. System features include both transmission and reflection sampling modes with a theoretical spatial resolution of 6 micrometers. The range of the detector provides spectral coverage from 5000 to 900 cm-1. An auxiliary macro sampling compartment is available for use on larger samples. The system can also be employed for ATR imaging on both the micro and macro configurations.

Perkin-Elmer Autofocus Microscope/Spectrum 2000

The Perkin-Elmer Autofocus microscope is the work horse of the MML. This multipurpose system can be used to collect transmission, reflection absorption, diffuse reflectance and Attenuated Total Internal Reflectance (ATR) spectra on samples as small as 5 micrometers in diameter. The system features an Infrared Microspectroscopy Automated Graphical Environment (IMAGE) which permits automated mapping analyses to be conducted on a wide variety of samples. Two dimensional images based on either infrared or visible wavelengths can be collected and displayed in a wide variety of formats. These formats include band ratios, functional group maps, spectra from individual pixels and profiles or cross-sections. The standard detector employed on the microscope is a medium band HgCdTe detector which yields a spectral range of 4400 to 580 wavenumbers. A Harrick Split-Pea micro-ATR sampling accessory is also integrated to the system for extended wavelength coverage down to 450 wavenumbers.

IRPLAN Microscope/Perkin-Elmer Spectrum 1000

Raman

Renishaw 2000 Confocal Raman Microprobe

Confocal Raman spectra are collected with a Renishaw System 2000 Raman Imaging Microscope. This highly efficient system employs a variety of lasers and Peltier cooled CCD detector for excitation and detection of Raman scattered light, respectively. The system features fast full range scanning (100 to 4000 wavenumbers) and direct 2-D Raman imaging. Spatial resolution (x,y) of 1 micrometer and axial resolution of 2 micrometers can be achieved with the use of the confocal feature. The system has also been modified to obtain confocal images and spectra in both fluorescence and visible modes.

Custom Built FT-Raman Microprobe

The MML has recently designed and constructed a third generation refracting microscope for use on the Perkin-Elmer System 2000. This instrument has been fully optimized as a FT-Raman spectrometer. Spatial resolution (x,y) of the microscope is 4 micrometers. The system employs a 1 watt diode pumped ND/YAG laser for excitation and a high sensitivity InGaAs detector. In addition to microsampling, Raman spectra of macro samples can be obtained in either the 90 or 180 degree scattering geometries. This instrument is typically employed for samples which fluoresce or are highly colored. The above example demonstrates the analysis of an Aleve pharmaceutical tablet. The spectra show that titanium dioxide is incorporated into the surface of the tablet.

Renishaw 1000 Process Raman Microprobe

A recent addition to the laboratory is a Renishaw MKIII process control Raman microprobe. The fiber coupled probe head which is tethered to a 2 meter fiber optic cable allowing it to be used in a wide variety of sample situations. The system is based on a short focal length spectrograph that yields a resolution of 12 cm-1. A Lexel Argon ion laser serves as the excitation source producing powers of up to 500 milliwatts at the sample.

UV/VIS Confocal Microprobe

The MML has recently constructed a UV/VIS microprobe based on an Ocean Optics S2000 miniature spectrograph. The Olympus BH-2 coupled to this spectrograph has both transmitted white light and reflectance illumination modes, which can be utilized for UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopies. The system is confocal and provides a 5 micrometer spatial resolution, which is dictated by the entrance slit of the spectrograph. The system is usable over the range of 350 to 1100 nm. We have employed the system for mainly geologic thin sections and the measurement of film thickness via thin film interference.