Molecular Spectroscopy

Molecular spectroscopy provides information on spectral lines observed during the excitation and deexcitation of molecules, in the form of rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra. There are three types of spectrometer systems used: emission, monochromatic radiation absorption, and Fourier transform. Each of these methods utilizes a source of radiation, a sample, and a device for detecting and analyzing radiation. Molecular spectroscopy has become an important tool for applications in detection, analysis, and diagnostics. Thermo Scientific provides innovative molecular spectroscopy solutions including FT-IR, Raman, FT-NIR, UV-Vis and Fluorescent spectrometers, spectrophotometers and microscopes for applications in quality control, research and development and industry labs. Furthermore, molecular spectroscopy is important for pharma, material and environmental science, for studying chemical reactions, in biology, and in many other areas of science and technology which need detailed information on the molecular poperties of a sample.

FAQ: Molecular Spectroscopy

What is the spatial resolution for Raman microscope?

The DXR3 Raman Microscope offers spatial resolution as fine as 540 nm and confocal depth resolution down to 1.7 μm on ideal samples.

What imaging/measurement modes are available with Raman?

Point, line, area

Which lasers are supported with Raman microscope or spectrometer?

It supports multiple excitation lasers: 455 nm, 532 nm (high brightness/power), 633 nm, and 785 nm, and 1064 nm with FT Raman module. We can offer portable units with 785 nm and 1064 nm lasers.

Is there automatic calibration with Raman instruments?

Yes! Automated alignment is there to ensure visual, excitation laser and Raman scatter are precisely aligned to the same spot. Automated alignment software-controlled tool includes all calibration standards for automated calibration (wavelength, Raman intensity and laser) and automated alignment of visual, excitation laser and Raman scatter beam paths. All this in less than a few minutes!

Can Raman analyze through packaging?

Yes, it can perform point-and-shoot sampling through plastic bags, glass containers, and blister packs with both portable and lab spectrometers

What sample size can be measured with FT-IR microscope?

You can analyze particles down to a few microns. Thermo FT-IR microscope can analyze samples as small as 3 microns with a MicroTip Ge ATR crystal. Room-temperature detectors are suitable for samples down to 50 microns, eliminating the need for LN2 in many routine applications. Higher-sensitivity MCT detectors generally require cooling but enable analysis down to the micron level.

How thick can my sample be with FT-IR microscope?

We can offer different models that can accommodate samples up to 40 mm thick and 5 kg in mass, or standalone microscope up to 20 mm with standard holders.

Can your system do chemical imaging?

Yes, both FT-IR and Raman microscope offer IMAGING analysis or upgrade to imaging.

Is there an option to upgrade FT-IR spectrometer?

We can offer different modules for upgrade: ATR, HATR, specular reflectance, diffuse reflectance, PIKE, Specac modules, sample compartment Raman accessory, NIR module with Integrating Sphere and Fiber Optic connections, TGA-IR accessory, GC-IR module.

Do I need a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, or is a VIS-only instrument sufficient?

The choice depends on the application and the nature of the analyte. If the analyses involve organic molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, or pharmaceutical substances, the UV range (190-380 nm) is essential. For colorimetric analyses, quality control, water testing, and food samples, the VIS range (380-900 nm) is often sufficient.