Infrared/Raman Microscope AIRsight (for Researchers)

Importance of the Topic

Infrared (IR) and Raman microscopy are complementary techniques that provide molecular-level characterization of materials, enabling applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental analysis, and quality control. Integrating these methods in a single platform enhances analytical efficiency, reduces alignment errors, and delivers comprehensive information on both organic and inorganic components from the same microscopic region.

Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper presents the AIRsight system, which combines FTIR and Raman microscopy in one compact instrument. The primary goals are to demonstrate seamless measurement of IR and Raman spectra at identical sample positions, to simplify workflow via unified software control, and to showcase practical applications across diverse sample types.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The integrated microscope features a shared stage and optical path to perform FTIR and Raman measurements without sample relocation. Key components include:

• Wide-view camera for large-area localization (up to 10 × 13 mm)
• Microscope camera and interchangeable objectives (50× and 100×) for high-resolution observation (down to 7.5 × 10 µm)
• 532 nm and 785 nm excitation lasers for Raman spectroscopy
• AMsolution software for measurement control, spectrum overlay, library creation, and depth profiling in the Z-direction
• Compatibility with FTIR modules IRTracer-100, IRXross, and IRAffinity for a small instrument footprint

Main Results and Discussion

Practical demonstrations illustrate the system’s versatility:

• Microplastics: Combined IR and Raman spectra identified polystyrene particles ranging from 1 to 115 µm
• Pigments on Wood: Trace analysis revealed BaSO4 via IR and Pb3O4 via Raman on historical samples
• Multilayer Films: Cross-section IR and Raman area mapping visualized distinct polymer and inorganic layers
• Pharmaceutical Polymorphs: Raman spectra distinguished caffeine monohydrate from anhydrous forms by characteristic peak shifts
• Li-Ion Battery Materials: Raman imaging mapped graphite distribution in negative electrode samples
• Carbon Films: Raman metrics I(D)/I(G) and FWHM(G) evaluated crystallinity and structural defects in DLC coatings

Benefits and Practical Applications

The AIRsight system offers:

• Improved qualitative accuracy by acquiring IR and Raman data from the exact same spot
• Streamlined workflows with one user interface for both techniques
• Space efficiency through a single-instrument design
• Depth-resolved analysis for three-dimensional sample characterization

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include automated mapping routines, expansion of laser wavelengths for reduced fluorescence, integration of machine learning for rapid spectral interpretation, and coupling with additional microspectroscopic modalities to address advanced challenges in nanotechnology and life sciences.

Conclusion

The AIRsight platform exemplifies a powerful solution for laboratories seeking efficient, high-resolution molecular imaging. By uniting FTIR and Raman microscopy, it streamlines analytical workflows, enhances data correlation, and broadens capabilities for research and industrial quality control.