Two FT-IRs are available for student use.
The first is a Thermo-Nicolet IS-50. The Thermo-Nicolet IS-50 is a bench-top FT-IR capable of routine mid-IR work (4000 cm-1 to 400 cm-1). It also has an ATR accessory with a diamond crystal for routine solid and liquid sampling.
The Perkin-Elmer “Spectrum GX” is the larger system with more capabilities. The Spectrum GX can do routine mid-IR work, but is also capable of collecting spectra in the near-IR region (12000 cm-1 to 1800 cm-1). To do near-IR work, the beamsplitter must be changed from KBr to CaF2, and the detector must be changed from the standard room temperature DTGS detector to the liquid nitrogen cooled InSB detector.
The Spectrum GX also has a microscope accessory, with a liquid nitrogen cooled MCT-B detector that covers the range from 4000 cm-1 to 700 cm-1. The microscope accessory can be used in either transmittance or reflectance mode. It can analyze sample regions as small as a few microns square. The position of the microscope’s X-Y stage can be controlled via the data system. The data system can be set up to automatically map the entire surface of a sample.
Using the FT-IR Equipment
To use the FT-IRs, contact Russell Bornschein to schedule a short training class.
The Thermo-Nicolet IS-50 User's Booklet should be printed out and read prior to the training session for the Thermo-Nicolet IS-50.
The IR Microscope User's Booklet should be printed out and read prior to the training session for the Spectrum GX microscope.
You must provide a valid shortcode account number for billing your access time on these instruments. Please see billing rates above.
The Thermo-Nicolet IS-50 and the Perkin-Elmer Spectrum GX are located in room 3411 Chemistry.
Reserve a time on Spectrum GX FT-IR using Google Sites.