Agilent Cary 630 FTIR sample interfaces — combining high performance and versatility

Importance of the topic

The selection of appropriate sample interfaces critically influences the performance and versatility of FTIR spectroscopy. The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR, known for its compact design and stable interferometer, relies on a modular approach to accommodate diverse sample types and analytical requirements. By integrating interchangeable sampling attachments, laboratories can streamline workflows, improve sensitivity across matrices, and reduce downtime between analyses.

Objectives and overview

This technical overview examines the design principles and operational characteristics of the sample interfaces available for the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer. Emphasis is placed on the rapid interchangeability, spectral performance, and application scope of each module. The goal is to guide practitioners in selecting the optimal sampling accessory for qualitative and quantitative IR measurements in solids, liquids, and gases.

Used instrumentation

• Transmission module: A purgeable mount for KBr pellets, nujol mulls, demountable cells and gas cell attachment, enabling broadband transmission analysis of solids, liquids, polymer films and gases.
• 50 mm pathlength gas cell: Stainless steel gas cell for quantitative and library-based gas phase measurements when paired with the transmission module.
• TumblIR: Single‐path fixed 100 µm liquid cell with ZnSe windows, offering low‐level detection (~50 ppm) and rapid cleaning suitable for viscous or volatile liquids.
• DialPath: Multi‐path liquid transmission interface with three factory‐calibrated pathlength sets (30–250 µm), adjustable for enhanced sensitivity down to ~25 ppm.
• Diamond ATR: Robust single‐reflection attenuated total reflectance accessory with built‐in pressure clamp, ideal for solids, liquids and gels, delivering ~1.2 µm effective pathlength at 1700 cm⁻¹.
• Diffuse reflection interface: Multi‐position sample tray for powdered solids, using KBr dilutions and built‐in gold and polystyrene reference standards, optimized for diffuse reflectance measurements.

Main results and discussion

Each interface demonstrated consistent optical alignment and reproducible performance across the 5100–600 cm⁻¹ spectral range (350–7000 cm⁻¹ for certain engines). The transmission and gas modules delivered accurate quantification in prepared solid and gaseous matrices. TumblIR and DialPath provided sensitivity enhancements for liquid analyses, reducing preparation time. The diamond ATR accessory offered rapid spectral acquisition with minimal sample handling, while diffuse reflection facilitated quantitative analysis of powders without extensive pellet preparation.

Benefits and practical applications

• Enhanced workflow efficiency through tool-free interface exchange.
• Broad analytical coverage from gases to solids, viscous oils, volatile liquids and powders.
• Improved sensitivity and detection limits for trace analysis in compliance with QA/QC protocols.
• Reduced sample preparation complexity, leading to faster turnaround times.

Future trends and potential applications

Advancements may include automated sampling robotics for high-throughput screening, integration with chemometric software for real-time data interpretation, and expansion of pathlength ranges for emerging applications in biotechnology and environmental monitoring. Further miniaturization and remote sensing capabilities are likely as FTIR instruments evolve for field-based measurements.

Conclusion

The modular sample interface concept of the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR provides a versatile platform for diverse IR analyses. By leveraging specialized attachments, laboratories can optimize sensitivity, speed and sample compatibility. This approach enhances the utility of FTIR technology across research, industrial and regulatory environments.

Reference

1. Agilent Technologies, Agilent Cary 630 FTIR sample interfaces — combining high performance and versatility, Technical Overview, Publication number 5990-8526EN, 2011.