Axiom Analytical, a supplier of sampling equipment, software, and integrated systems for molecular spectroscopy, has announced the availability of its FDR-800 series diffuse reflectance probes
FDR-800 series probes are said to be the first compact diffuse reflectance probes capable of viewing a sample at normal incidence through a dryer or blender widow without introducing stray light.
Their unique optical design (US Patent Pending) enables them to view sample areas 6-12mm in diameter through windows up to 15mm thick.
Also, because the probes are purely passive, ie, not employing an internal optical source, they are intrinsically safe.
Key to the FDR-800 design is the use of a coaxial array of optical fibres in conjunction with a single lens to overlap the illuminating and receiving fields of view at a desired distance in front of the probe.
By effectively minimising optical divergence, this design eliminates stray light, resulting in excellent photometric accuracy.
Another benefit is a very high optical efficiency combined with a convenient form factor (2.5cm diameter).
The first model in the series (FDR-810) is designed for optimum coupling to a typical dispersive spectrometer employing a CCD detector array.
The viewed spot diameter and target offset distance are optimised for use in a typical pharmaceutical drying or blending application.
Modified designs are available to meet other sample viewing requirements and to mate to instruments such as FTIR and tunable laser spectrometers.
