Shimadzu introduces a new generation of FTIR instruments in the infrared product
line with the IRPrestige-21. This new instrument is a conception for high sensitivity
as well as for broad applications in the research and development area. The IRPrestige-21
is an outstanding addition to the already existing FTIR product line, which is suitable
for general laboratory applications.
Keyword: Sensitivity
The sensitivity of an instrument is of major significance for amultitude
of applications, which require a high-performance system. The IRPrestige-21 reaches
this level via an appropriate light source, a high-performance ceramics. The light
beam is guided through the interferometer using gold-plated mirrors with high reflectance.
This performance, of course, requires an appropriate detector system: for the mid-infrared
range this is a temperature controlled DLATGS detector, which is appropriately stabilised
and therrefore more sensitive.
Keyword: Reliability
The large number of tests, to which the system is subjected, reveals the
reliability of an instrument. These tests are supported via the hardware and software.
The condition of the instrument is registered during operation and retrievable at
any time ("Status Monitor"). Patented processes for optimisation of the interferomeeter,
such as ADA (Advanced Dynamic Alignment) and FJS (Flexible Joint Support) ensure
stable and reproducible operation of the instrument.
This is why the IRPrestige-21 only requires short warm-up times and short adjustment
times after exchanging a beam splitter. The sensitive interferometer part is stabilised
by three additional internal protection functions. Important are the sealed optics
of the interferometer as well as the automatic drying function and the protective
layer which shields the hygroscopic beam splitter from air humidity. This concept
of reliability is based on requirements of European and Japanese Pharmacopoeia and
ASTM regulations. The system is tested according to ASTM 14221. This includes an
energy test, a 100% T-line test and a test using polystyrene films. the Pharmacopoeia
tests include the energy profile as well as resolution, wavelength accuracy, wavelength
reproducibility and transmission reproducibility using a polystyrene film.
Keyword: Performance
Performance is of course the key issue when concidering applications. The most outstanding
feature of the IRPrestige-21 is the possibility to convert the system, for example
to cover a measuring range from 12,000 -240 cm-1 (0.8 up to 41,660 micrometer).
This way it is now possible to work outside of the standard middle-infrared range.
Applications in the near- and far-infrared regions are also possible. light sources,
beam splitters and detectors can be exchanged and subsequently "recognised" and
adjusted with the ADA system. Ceramic light source (MIR, FIR) and a halogen lamp
(NIR) and beam splitters such as KBr(MIR), CsJ(FIR) and CaF2(NIR) are available.
All this is supported with an appropriate choice of detectors such as the DLATGS
(MIR,FIR), MCT (MIR) and InGaAs (NIR). The MCT detector is an extremely light sensitive
detector for trace analysis or for weakly absorbing compounds. the standard system
supports the application areas via ahigh resolution of up to 0.5 cm-1 and a high
signal to noise ratio of 40,000:1.
In modern infrared spectroscopy it is possible to employ a multitude of accessories.
In order to support the user in accessory recognition function. When the accessory
is installed, the IRSolution software indicates which type of accessory and corresponding
ID number is used and suggests a suitable set of parameters.
Keyword: User orientation
Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that the IRSolution software is
extremely user-friendly. It is a software package, which is not only suitable for
the complex tasks in research and development but can also be used in routine quality
control and quality assurance. In addition, the IRSolution software complies with
GLP/GMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 9000 requirements.
