The Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ RaptIR™ + FTIR Microscope is designed for precision and agility, helping users locate and analyze areas of interest within a sample and obtain results efficiently. High-resolution visible imaging, infrared capability, user-swappable detectors and automated microscope controls support a streamlined workflow from sample viewing and targeting to spectral collection, analysis and reporting.
Designed for specialists and non-specialists alike, the microscope is adaptable across a wide range of industries and applications, including pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, forensics and materials research. Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm Software supports the navigation and analysis of complex samples through an adaptive user interface and integrated tools for data collection and analysis.
Key Features
- Clear sample visualization: A high-resolution 5 megapixel camera, eyepieces and the mosaic feature provide a clear overview of the sample and help users locate specific areas of interest.
- Automated microscope controls: A motorized multi-position nosepiece, autofocus, automatic illumination and a computer-controlled aperture simplify microscope operation and sample targeting.
- Versatile sampling modes: Reflectance, transmission and ATR sampling modes with automated exchange provide flexibility for different analytical requirements. Built-in ATR sensors help protect samples and provide sensitive pressure control.
- Open-access sample stage: The heavy-duty stage accommodates samples up to 40 mm thick and 5 kg in mass while providing convenient access for sample loading.
- Fast spectral mapping: Data can be collected at up to 10 spectra per second for efficient analysis of larger sample areas.
- Optional polarization: Automated visible and infrared polarizers provide additional detail when examining samples.
User-Swappable Detector Options
The Nicolet RaptIR + offers user-swappable detectors for different analytical requirements:
- MCT-A, liquid nitrogen cooled: Provides high sensitivity across the mid-infrared range and is suited to general-purpose microscopy, small spot sizes and high signal-to-noise performance.
- MCT-B, liquid nitrogen cooled: Offers good sensitivity with a wider spectral range.
- InGaAs, room temperature: Extends measurements into the near-infrared region and is suited to applications such as pharmaceutical analysis, moisture mapping and polymerization studies.
OMNIC Paradigm Software
Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm Software provides an adaptive user interface with a floating toolbar that presents functions relevant to the current task. Workflows can be created to automate data collection and analysis sequences, while the software also supports the collection and analysis of large-area maps and thousands of microparticles.
Data are stored in a secure database system, and results can be transferred into a variety of formal and customizable reporting formats.
Applications
The adaptable design of the Nicolet RaptIR + supports applications across a wide range of industries:
- Pharmaceuticals: Analysis of API distribution and purity, as well as collection of high-quality IR data across entire tablets.
- Environmental analysis: Examination of microplastic samples and targeting of individual particles.
- Forensics: Investigation of counterfeit materials, identification of inks on paper and analysis of trace evidence.
- Polymers and materials: Analysis of polymers and plastics, automotive materials, electronics, 3D-printed materials, cement and building materials.
- Additional applications: Art restoration, contamination analysis in cosmetics and personal care products, oil and gas, volcanology and mineralogy, and homeland security.
Integration with FTIR Spectrometers
The Nicolet RaptIR + FTIR Microscope can be connected to the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iS50 FTIR Spectrometer. The Nicolet iS50 system provides capabilities ranging from far-IR to visible spectroscopy and can support TGA-IR, FT-Raman, near-infrared and GC-IR applications.
The microscope can also be used with the more compact Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ Apex FTIR Spectrometer or the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iS20 FTIR Spectrometer.
Technical Specifications
- Visible spatial resolution: 1 µm.
- Infrared spatial resolution: 5 µm.
- Camera: 5 megapixels.
- Visible objectives: 4× or 40×.
- Infrared objectives: 15× or grazing-angle infrared objective.
- Mapping rate: Up to 10 spectra per second.
- Maximum sample thickness: 40 mm.
- Maximum sample mass: 5 kg.
- Detector options: User-swappable MCT-A, MCT-B and InGaAs.
- Polarizers: Motorized visible and infrared polarizers.
