Keywords
Citation
(2003), "The power of molecular analysis for microscopy", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 32 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2003.12932ead.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
The power of molecular analysis for microscopy
The power of molecular analysis for microscopy
Keywords: Molecules, Analysis, Microscopy
The Illuminatir from Sensir Europe transforms a commercial light microscope into a versatile infrared microprobe – a spectroscopic tool for exploring the molecular structure of microsamples. Designed for people who use microscopes to investigate practical problems such as identifying a material or contaminant source the Illuminatir is an ergonomic accessory that interfaces to modern, infinity-corrected microscopes. The resulting system delivers molecular information while retaining all the capabilities of a light microscope. At the heart of the Illuminatir's simplicity is the innovative Contactir objective. The Contactir is a unique internal reflection objective that operates like a standard objective to view a sample and select areas for analysis. To collect spectral information, the user raises the stage to bring the sample into contact with the robust diamond internal reflection element surface, then simply presses a button to acquire information and create a report. Using a proprietary near-IR video imaging system, the Illuminatir allows microscopists to continuously monitor on a video screen the area where the infrared beam is actually striking the sample, even during IR data collection. Varying the sample area masked ensures that only the area irradiated is analysed. The Illuminatir's easy-to-use software automates the operations of data collection, analysis and reporting. Identification of unknowns is achieved automatically through the software by comparing the collected spectra to a library of reference spectra. Offering an elegant integration of the investigative powers of spectroscopy with microscopy, the Illuminatir can significantly accelerate and simplify procedures in research and production environments.