8700 LDIR—quantum cascade laser spectroscopy
When studying objects that are very small such as microplastics, the highest levels of precision are essential. The 8700 LDIR dispenses with old-style IR light sources and instead uses a semiconductor-based quantum cascade laser (QCL). The QCL can emit IR light at a single wavelength, or it can sweep through a full spectrum in under one second. These dual modes of action, combined with a high-powered signal and precise wavelength accuracy, open the way to analysis options and performance never before possible.
QCL—two modes of action
By combining the QCL with fast-scanning optics and a highly sensitive Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride (MCT) detector (thermometrically cooled), the 8700 LDIR can operate in either Scan mode, where large areas are scanned ultra-fast at a single wavelength—or Sweep mode, where a full spectrum can be obtained from a single point in less than one second.
The dedicated LDIR microplastics workflow uses both modes. First, Scan mode is used to locate and describe the morphology of the particle. Secondly, Sweep mode is used to obtain a spectrum from each particle for real-time library matching and reporting.
Microplastics—fully automated workflows
The 8700 LDIR is not like other IR microscopes. There are no external stages, no objectives to swap, and no oculars for locating samples. Once the sample is in the enclosed analysis chamber and protected from the elements, the Clarity LDIR software does the rest.
This new approach to IR microscopy allows fully automated workflows so the user can simply insert the sample, define the analysis area, press “play” and walk away. Full results reporting is available on completion of the analysis.
