Applications | Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is often used to characterize the structure and temperature-dependent performance of materials, including liquids, solids, gases, and thin films. In the simplest FTIR spectrometer arrangement, a sample is located in the beampath before the detector. Two spectra are obtained for each measurement, (a reference spectrum with no sample in the beampath and a second spectrum with a sample installed). The ratio of these two spectra produces the measurement used by the researcher.
The introduction of a cryostat for sample cooling adds a degree of complication to the procedure. The reference spectrum must now be taken with the cryostat installed in the beampath (to incorporate the cryostat optics into the reference measurement). In most cases, the cryostat is then removed from the spectrometer for sample installation, and reinstalled to make the actual sample measurement. The process of cryostat removal, sample mounting, and cryostat reinstallation can require from thirty to sixty minutes, limiting the number of samples that can be characterized per day. In addition, the cryostat must be reinstalled in the identical position on the spectrometer for each subsequent sample measurement. If the cryostat position changes, the reference measurement will no longer be valid due to small variations in the cryostat optical path.
The Lake Shore range of cryostats for FTIR addresses these limitations while providing a sample environment that is best suited for your application. Options for FTIR spectroscopy include:
- Multiple sample mounting provisions, allowing the user to switch between a reference path and several samples without moving the cryostat.
- Precision linear and rotary manipulators, manually controlled
- Precision linear and rotary manipulators, remotely controlled
- Sample in vacuum or sample in dynamic or static exchange gas
- Liquid nitrogen or closed-cycle refrigerator cooling
- Mounting flange to fit many commercially available spectrometers
- IR windows, including ZnSe, polyethylene, polypropylene, sapphire, diamond, and more
- Windows are available wedged for reduced interference or plane parallel
- High-temperature operation ( ST-FTIR, VPF-FTIR)
The SuperTran and SuperTran-VP systems for FTIR include a high-efficiency transfer line for low cryogen consumption and feature additional spacers for minimal vibration. The flexibility of our design and the range of options available, combined with a reputation for quality, make Lake Shore FTIR cryostats the ideal choice for efficient and high-quality FTIR measurements.
Existing designs include:
- Continuous flow cryostat with sample in vacuum — ST-FTIR
- Continuous flow cryostat with sample in vapor — STVP-FTIR
- Liquid nitrogen pourfill cryostat — VPF-FTIR
As with all Lake Shore cryostats, these designs may be modified to suit your individual requirements. Contact us today to discuss how an FTIR cryostat may be integrated with your spectrometer system.