Automated Infrared Microscope Provides Macro View on Micro Analysis

The microscope system can be used for high-sensitivity analysis in fields such as electrical/electronics, forensics, pharmaceuticals, life science, foods, and chemicals. With a 330X digital zoom 'view to scan' feature, the AIM-9000 is designed to provide analysts with an easy and efficient tool for finding and positioning microscopic samples for accurate analysis.

As well as observing areas up to 10x13 mm, analysts can use the wide field camera and microscope camera together to zoom and position areas as small as 30x40 μm without loss or repositioning of the sample. The microscope’s best-in-class 30,000:1 signal-to-noise ratio enables users to obtain excellent spectra from even the smallest contaminants for more accurate library matching and identification.

Further features include automatic contaminant recognition and registration. Analysts simply click one button and the software automatically selects potential areas for analysis and suggests optimal aperture sizes and angles, in just one second. The user can then 'select all' for analysis, select none, or add their own selection with a mouse click-and-drag operation. Selected sample images are automatically saved into the measured spectral file. Proprietary spectral identification programming uses both library scans and key spectral features to rapidly match spectra and provide identification with reporting.

The AIM-9000 is also equipped with a visible/infrared dual view system, which enables measurement of infrared spectra while simultaneously checking a visible image of the sample. This results in accurate measurements while decreasing overall measurement time. Analysts can also use the high-speed mapping program, which captures microscope images and quickly synthesizes them to create visual images for large areas.

Accessories available for the system include a variety of ATR options, a TGS detector for extended wavelength range or for operation when liquid nitrogen is not available, and visible and infrared polarisers for examining oriented samples.