Shimadzu AIRSight FTIR/Raman Particle Analysis System

Shimadzu AIRSight Particle Analysis System  (CCRL23)

Located in room 2018 of the Science Center Building of the Armstrong Campus.

The Shimadzu AIRSight Infrared Raman Microscope is a dual-mode instrument that integrates Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopy and Raman microscopy into a single platform. Its primary advantage is the ability to acquire both IR and Raman spectra from the exact same position on a sample without moving it, providing complementary molecular information for both organic and inorganic substances. 

Sample Types and Applications

The AIRSight is designed for analyzing a broad range of materials, particularly those requiring micro-analysis or trace identification. 

• Microplastics & Polymers: Ideal for identifying microplastic particles ranging from a few microns to several millimeters. IR is effective for identifying the plastic base, while Raman can identify inorganic additives or pigments.

• Contaminants & Trace Analysis: Frequently used in pharmaceutical, electronic, and industrial manufacturing for identifying unknown particles, stains, or residues on surfaces (e.g., button cells or tablets).

• Inorganic Materials: Specifically targets substances that are difficult for FTIR alone, such as carbon nanotubes, diamond, titanium oxide, and various pigments.

• Multilayer Films: Used to analyze thin layers (10 µm or thinner) in packaging materials, enabling the determination of each layer's thickness and composition.

• Pharmaceuticals & Food: Analysis of food additives, pesticides, and pharmaceutical contaminants.

• Aqueous Solutions & Transparent Containers: Raman capabilities allow for the direct measurement of samples in water or through transparent materials like glass and quartz. 

Key Capabilities

• Co-located Measurements: A patented alignment system ensures that both techniques target the same micro-sized spot, eliminating the need to relocate samples between different instruments.

• Advanced Imaging:

  • Wide-View Camera: Observes large areas (up to 10 × 13 mm) with digital zoom to quickly locate targets.

  • High Magnification: Includes a microscope camera for IR and 50x/100x objective lenses for Raman, capable of observing areas as small as 7.5 × 10 μm.

• Integrated Software (AMsolution): A single interface manages image acquisition, spectral measurement, and data analysis for both modes. It features Automatic Contaminant Recognition and length/depth measurement tools.

• Depth Profiling (Raman): Allows for non-destructive analysis in the Z-direction (depth) of transparent or translucent samples, such as polymer foils or glass.

• Dual Lasers: Standard equipment includes 532 nm (for high peak intensities) and 785 nm (to minimize fluorescence) Raman lasers.

• Mapping Capabilities: Supports line, area, and depth mapping for both IR and Raman modes.

• Extensive Libraries: Includes standard and proprietary Shimadzu libraries with approximately 12,000 spectra, plus one year of Wiley KnowItAll.