Developer of high performance FTIR spectrometers to military, government, and commercial and industrial customers, Block Engineering (Marlborough, MA), has announced the development of their near-infrared spectrometer, the LaserScan. LaserScan detects and measures substances on surfaces from a standoff distance of 6 inches to 2 feet. It can identify bulk materials and detect sub-micron films based on their absorption characteristics. It can also analyze vapors or liquids. This spectrometer uses infrared absorption spectroscopy, and the heart of the system is a widely tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL). This gives LaserScan sensitivities that are orders of magnitude greater than alternative spectroscopy systems.
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PRESS RELEASE
Description
LaserScan™ detects and measures substances on surfaces from a standoff distance of 6 inches to 2 feet or can be customized to do longer standoff.LaserScan can identify bulk materials and detect sub-micron films based on
their absorption characteristics. It can also analyze vapors or liquids. An alternate version of the device is designed to interface to common FTIR accessories, including liquid and gas cells, and reflectance accessories1.
LaserScan uses infrared absorption spectroscopy, and the heart of the system is a next-generation widely tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL). This gives LaserScan sensitivities that are orders of magnitude greater than alternative spectroscopy systems. The system has two different versions, one that rapidly tunes from 6-10 μm and another that covers the 7-12 μm range.
Mode of Operation & Library
The system provides high quality reflectance spectra from materials deposited on surfaces and from bulk substrates. The system can also be trained to look for samples on other more diffuse substrates. The user is guided in targeting a sample by visible pointing lasers that indicate the field of view of the system. The system is interfaced via a USB port to a computer with the LaserScan Software package.
Comparison to FTIR & Raman
LaserScan puts more energy at a specific wavelength on the sample than a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. This creates the potential for higher sensitivity and higher power density measurements especially from
diffuse and highly absorbing materials and substrates. Other advantages over FTIR include portability, ruggedness, fast analysis, and the ability to work at a distance either through free space or a fiber. FTIRs cannot offer standoff capability, making it difficult to quickly scan surfaces and avoid contamination. Whereas an FTIR takes minutes to analyze a substance, the LaserScan takes seconds.
Raman systems require near contact with the surface being tested and a powerful, non-eye safe laser beam. The LaserScan's long standoff distance and large, eye-safe, collimated beam allow for faster surface scanning and easier field operation. Furthermore, LaserScan does not create a detonation hazard and avoids sample degradation or thermal damage. In addition, LaserScan can work with darkly colored substrates.
Since 1956, Block Engineering has been developing and selling high performance FTIR spectrometers to military, government, and commercial and industrial customers.
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