OPTICAL SPECTROMETERS continued
FTIR with a library of 2500 narcotics, precursors, cutting agents, and other chemicals, the Target-ID returns identification results in seconds without damaging or degrading the sample. When used with the OSS Surface Sampler, evidence can be easily saved for future reference. The system has a 4-hr battery life and weighs 2.45 kg.
Back to the bench Among the benchtop analyzers launched at the show, several were on display at the Shimadzu (Columbia, MD;
www.ssi.shimadzu.com) booth. The company displayed a new FTIR spectro- photometer designed to meet the need for increased speed and accuracy in infrared analy- sis. The IRTracer-100 offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 60,000:1 and resolution of 0.25 cm-1
,
and enables up to 20 spectra to be collected per second. This allows accurate analysis of reactions occurring within a few seconds, and kinetic studies occurring in less than 1 sec. The IRTracer-100 features a stable, airtight interfer- ometer that incorporates a built-in automatic
dehumidifier, protecting the unit against mois- ture and other environmental influences.
Shimadzu also introduced a new series of ener- gy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers that incorporate a new, high-performance semi- conductor-based detector. The EDX-7000/8000 spectrometers provide excellent sensitivity, resolution, and throughput. The semiconductor detector ensures a high fluorescent X-ray count per unit time, enabling precise, high-resolution analysis while increasing throughput by as much as a factor of 10 compared to the com- pany’s industry-leading predecessor unit. This speed allows researchers and labs to increase their productivity without sacrificing accuracy. A sample positioning camera, collimators to reduce scattering, and five primary filters are all standard features.
Renishaw (Hoffman Estates, IL; www.
renishaw.com) presented an update for its inVia Raman microscopes that enables Raman images to be collected faster than ever before. The StreamLineHR Rapide allows users to quickly
generate highly detailed Raman images. With enhanced signal-to-noise ratios, accurate mea- surements are achieved even where extremely low signal levels are present. Users can export high-definition Raman images to see data in all their detail. Because there is no inherent file size limit, it is also possible to record tens of millions of spectra in a single file. The system will find use in materials mapping and bioimaging applica- tions and is sensitive enough to monitor subtle intracellular changes.
Filmetrics (San Diego, CA;
www.filmetrics.com) launched a high-performance NIR spectrometer designed for demanding general-purpose ap- plications. Measuring just 4.9 cm high, 6.5 cm long, and 3.75 cm wide, the S3-NIR-1.7 features a TE-cooled 512-element InGaAs array with 500-μm-tall pixels. The instrument and 40,000-hr internal light source can be powered by a single USB port with the TE cooler operating down to –5 °C.
Conclusion Optical spectroscopy appears to have under-
gone a renaissance of sorts, with many new and exciting innovations on display during Pittcon 2014. As with any review, there is a limitation on what can be covered. If a product was not covered, it was not an intentional slight.
Perhaps most notable were the innovations and user interfaces that are enabling spectroscopy to be used in the field by trained spectroscopists and field operatives alike. As more industries start to realize the benefits of portable and hand- held spectroscopy, not only will general quality and safety improve, but so too will investment in handheld spectrometers. Having seen the ex- citement generated by these instruments during Pittcon, I envisage a very bright future for optical spectroscopy. The key issue for developers that are not mainstream instrument suppliers will be understanding customer needs and building relationships with existing players to get their products into this global market.
Matt Wilkinson, Ph.D., MBA, is an Account Direc- tor for Pinnacle Marketing Communications, Green Park House, 15 Stratton St., London, W1J 8LQ, U.K.; tel.: +44 (0) 2084 296 548; e-mail:
matt.wilkinson@pinnaclemarcom.com; www.
Pinnacle-Marketing.com
AMERICAN LABORATORY • 20 • MAY 2014
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