Agilent Cary 610/620 FTIR microscopes and imaging systems

Importance of the Topic

Fourier Transform Infrared FTIR microscopy and imaging deliver high spatial resolution chemical analysis critical for understanding material properties and biological structures in research and quality control. Enhanced sensitivity and resolution allow detection of microscopic features and defects that impact product performance and safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

The Agilent Cary 610 and 620 FTIR microscopes aim to provide versatile high performance systems for both single point mapping and chemical imaging over large areas. This application note demonstrates their ability to combine research grade FTIR spectroscopy with advanced microscopy to study polymers, biological tissues, electronics and other samples with minimal preparation and rapid throughput.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Cary 610 single point FTIR microscope can be upgraded to the 620 model which integrates a focal plane array FPA detector for hyperspectral imaging. Both microscopes can couple to Cary 660 or Cary 670 FTIR spectrometers offering a bright infrared source that delivers over four times more energy than conventional systems. Unique high magnification optics and live attenuated total reflectance ATR imaging accessory enable measurement of delicate and thin samples directly on the stage without embedding.

Key Results and Discussion

Large area imaging of a USAF 1951 resolution standard showed full field coverage of 50 by 50 millimeters at 19 micron resolution in 90 minutes while a 280 by 280 micron region achieved 1.1 micron pixel resolution in 2 minutes. Comparative measurements on a synchrotron based infrared beamline and the Cary 620 high magnification FTIR imaging system yielded equivalent spectral quality in under 10 percent of the acquisition time. Defect analysis in polymer laminates and LCD filters highlighted micron sized contaminants and layer composition using spectral search methods. Biological tissue sections were imaged over millimeter scales then examined at cellular resolution to detect subtle biochemical changes without staining.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Materials research and quality assurance in polymers, coatings and films
• Defect investigation in electronics, semiconductors and circuit boards
• Biomedical and disease research through label free chemical mapping of cells, tissues and bone
• Direct analysis of delicate samples without resin embedding
• Rapid measurement of large or irregular samples using specialized objectives

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in focal plane array detector technology and brighter infrared sources will further reduce acquisition times and improve spatial resolution. Integration of machine learning and chemometric analysis workflows can automate defect identification and biochemical classification. Multimodal imaging that combines FTIR with Raman or mass spectrometry will enhance chemical specificity and broaden applications in life sciences and materials science.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary 610 and 620 FTIR microscope systems bridge the gap between traditional FTIR spectroscopy and high resolution infrared imaging. Their combination of bright illumination, high magnification optics and flexible sampling modes enables rapid multimodal analysis across diverse fields from industrial QA to advanced biomedical research.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Cary 610 single point FTIR microscope
• Agilent Cary 620 FPA chemical imaging FTIR microscope
• Cary 660 and Cary 670 FTIR spectrometers
• High magnification objectives (4x and 15x IR optics)
• Live ATR imaging accessory with micro vice stage