MID-IR Spectrometer

By using fast scanning  Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) Block Engineering has developped new MID-IR spectrometers that can measure  a frequency range of 600cm^-1 within several seconds. In contrary to IR lamps used in conventional IR and FTIR spectrometers QCLs have a high spectral intensity (linewidth about 1 cm^-1, average power 1-3 mW) in a collimated beam. As a consequence much higher signal/noise ratios are reached and measurement times can be reduced substantially. This technique offers new possibilities in molecular spectroscopy and for process control.

Laserbench is the first MID-IR spectrometer on QCL basis that can use all standard sampling techniques known for IR and FTIR like flow cells, ATR, long pass gass cells it covers the finger print regions (1600-1000 or 1430-830 cm^-1).

LaserScope  can be fitted to most IR microscopes and can be combined with some visible light microscopes. The possibility to focus down to 6 µm is a big advantage of this technique compared with standard FTIR.

LaserScan is the first hand held spectrometer that is able to take a full MID-IR spectrum over 600cm^-1 within a few seconds. The standoff distance can be 600mm or more. A visible pointing laser targets the sample. Vapours, liquids, thin films and bulk material can be measured. 

For process applications the Block MID-IR spectromters can be hooked up to fiber coupled ATR measurement heads.

Applications:  pharma production, remote gas analysis, protein analysis, bioreactors, explosives, coatings, composite materials and many others. More applications in process control are expected.