Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer

Binghamton University intends to purchase a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer that can obtain the infrared spectrum of absorption or emission from solids to gain insight into localized vibrations within the structure.

Requirements for the Requested FTIR Spectrometer

1. The FTIR system must include an infrared source and white light source. The infrared source must have a guaranteed lifetime of 10 years and must be user replaceable. The system must also support a white light source to be used for near-IR or visible operations, mounted in a similar manner to the infrared source and similarly user replaceable.

2. The Interferometer must be a dynamically aligned, non-air bearing Michelson design. The scan velocity must provide collection capabilities of up to 60 spectra independently archived, per second, at a spectral resolution of 16 cm-1 or 95 scans per second at 32 cm^-1 The interferometer must be capable of spectral resolution better than 0.09 cm^-1 with boxcar apodization. The spectrometer must have a motorized, continuously variable aperture, for optimal peak shape collection of data. Standard warranty on the interferometer must be 10 years.

3. The instrument must be capable of at 55,000:1 peak to peak signal to noise, measured at 4 cm^-1 resolution by collecting 80 seconds background, 60 seconds sample, in the region 2200-2100 cm^-1, with purge. The wavelength precision must be within 0.01 cm^-1 with no need for software intervention or calibration.

4. The instrument must support up to three detectors, which are selectable using a rotating mirror, for use with the sample compartment. The detectors provided with the FTIR must include a KBR windowed DLaTGS detector and an MCT-B detector. The system must also be compatible with the following detector upgrades: InGaAs detector for Near-IR, Bolometer for deep Far-IR, PE-Windowed detector for Far-IR, and Silicon detector for Near-IR and visible ranges. In addition, the spectrometer must support an optional fourth detector for FT-Raman experiments and a fifth detector for a dedicated built-in ATR, all internal to the main spectrometer.

5. The spectrometer cover shall be sealed and desiccated and must be equipped with CaF₂ coated KBr sample compartment windows. The desiccant must be accessible without tools and without removal of any main covers of the instrument. There must also be a highly visible passive humidity indicator. This feature is needed to protect the FTIR system from the adverse effects of atmospheric water. The system must be compatible with the following beamsplitters for multi-range spectroscopy: CaF₂, XT-KBR and Solid substrate FAR-IR.

6. The spectrometer must include a user replaceable helium-neon laser reference source. Replacement of the laser must be done without exposing the optics of the instrument to the environment. The laser must be of a modular design permitting simultaneous replacement of the laser emission head and power supply.

7. The spectrometer must support the following optional techniques: FT-Raman, Gas Cells, GC-IR, TGA-IR, FT-IR Microscopes and Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS).

8. The spectrometer must include a motorized Validation Wheel. The wheel must provide beam attenuation screens for high sensitivity detectors, NG-11 glass for detector linearity test and NIST-traceable 1.5 IL (38 microns) polystyrene film. The validation wheel must be serialized and labeled with expiration date information.

9. The FTIR spectrometer must permit the use of specialized DRIFTS accessories from third party vendors like the Harrick Scientific’s Praying Mantis.

10. The FTIR spectrometer must permit the use of specialized ATR accessories from third party vendors like the Harrick Scientific’s Horizon ATR.

11. The software must be fully compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit), 8.1 and 11 operating systems.

12. The software must include Series data collection software for dynamic data acquisition and processing of kinetics data. The data analysis for kinetics data must include an algorithm for single click multi-component analysis of the entire set of spectra obtained during the kinetics run. This algorithm must supply sufficient intelligence to search for the assigned number of expected components but then to also search for additional, unexpected components.

13. Software must support background handling options such as: A. Before every sample B. After every sample C. After a specified amount of time D. Use stored background

14. Software must support Preview Data collection and must allow the user to perform a search on the spectrum when previewing and during data collection.

15. An extensive set of spectral libraries must be included with the FTIR system in order to identify unknown materials including: Georgia State Crime Lab Drugs, Polymer Additives and Plasticizers, Hummel Polymer and Additives, Common Materials & White Powders, Polymer and Plasticizers by ATR, Comprehensive Forensics, Inorganics, and Vapor Phase libraries for a total of more than 30,000 library spectra.