DIAMOND ATR ACCESSORY FOR THE AGILENT CARY 630 FTIR

Importance of the Topic

This summary focuses on the diamond ATR accessory for the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR, a key development in infrared spectroscopy that enhances energy throughput and data quality without extensive sample preparation.

Objectives and Study Overview

The main goal of this study is to present the design and performance benefits of a single-bounce diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory optimized for the Cary 630 FTIR system. It aims to demonstrate how improved throughput and lower noise can be achieved compared to traditional ATR setups.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The accessory exploits evanescent wave generation at the interface between the diamond crystal (refractive index ~2.4) and the sample, producing a consistent penetration depth per internal reflection. Key features include:

• Single-reflection diamond crystal at a nominal 45° angle
• Built-in slip-clutch pressure clamp for reproducible contact
• Effective pathlengths: ~1.1 µm at 4000 cm⁻¹, 2.6 µm at 1700 cm⁻¹, 7.3 µm at 600 cm⁻¹
• Optional KBr window (6300–350 cm⁻¹) or ZnSe window (5100–600 cm⁻¹)

Key Findings and Discussion

Compared to standard ATR designs, the diamond ATR on the Cary 630 FTIR achieves approximately 30% higher energy throughput, resulting in:

• Faster data acquisition rates
• Lower spectral noise levels
• Superior signal-to-noise ratios for weak or highly absorbing samples

The robust design allows reliable analysis under humid or corrosive conditions and supports a broad range of sample types without preparation.

Practical Benefits and Applications

The diamond ATR accessory offers:

• Rapid tool-free installation and alignment
• Multi-language guided software with status feedback and maintenance alerts
• Compatibility with solids, liquids, gels, powders, paints, polymers and fibers
• Flexible switching between diamond ATR, 5-bounce ZnSe ATR and DialPath/TumblIR for liquid measurements
• Compact footprint (9.2 × 8.9 cm) and lightweight build (0.9 kg)

Typical applications span food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, fuel and polymer analysis.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include integration of automated pressure control, advanced chemometric data processing, and expansion of portable FTIR platforms for field use. Enhanced crystal materials and novel ATR geometries may further boost sensitivity and broaden spectral coverage.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR diamond ATR accessory combines a simple user interface with high energy throughput and low noise to deliver reliable, high-quality spectra across diverse sample types. Its robust design and flexible sampling options make it an essential tool for modern analytical laboratories.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer
• Single-bounce diamond ATR accessory with slip-clutch pressure clamp
• KBr and ZnSe window options

References

• Agilent Technologies, Inc. Diamond ATR Accessory for the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR, Publication 5991-2197EN (2013)