Shimadzu FTIR TALK LETTER - Vol. 40

Significance of the Topic

Vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as infrared (IR) and Raman are pivotal for molecular structural analysis, trace contaminant identification, quality control, and environmental monitoring. Advances that combine both methods in a single micro‐sampling instrument address limitations in spatial resolution, sensitivity to organic versus inorganic compounds, and the need for rapid, reproducible measurements in research and industrial laboratories.

Study Aims and Overview

This report presents Shimadzu’s 40th FTIR TALK LETTER, highlighting the launch of two new microscope platforms—AIMsight (IR only) and AIRsight (combined IR/Raman)—and their controlling software, AMsolution. It reviews the instrument design, software features, and application examples demonstrating how integrated IR/Raman microscopy enhances analytical versatility.

Methodology and Instrumentation

An overview of IR versus Raman measurement principles is provided, emphasizing complementary selection rules (IR‐active versus Raman‐active modes) and energy transitions. The AIRsight design integrates:

• Mid‐IR beam path linked to an IRXross FTIR spectrometer with reflective objectives, condensers, switchable transmittance/reflectance optics, and cooled mercury‐cadmium‐telluride detector
• Raman path featuring 532 nm and 785 nm lasers, neutral density filters, confocal objective lenses (50×/100×), a beam splitter, and a Peltier‐cooled CCD spectrometer
• A wide‐field visible camera for sample positioning and documentation

AMsolution software supports both microscopes with features for one‐click IR/Raman mode switching, length and depth measurements, automatic contaminant recognition, and pharmacopoeia‐compliant instrument validation.

Main Results and Discussion

Example applications demonstrate:

• Micro‐area analysis below 10 µm using Raman to resolve features inaccessible to IR, as shown by spectra from 1 µm polystyrene beads
• Identification of iron oxide particles on tablet surfaces that lacked distinctive IR absorption
• Layer‐by‐layer Raman mapping of multilayer polymer packaging, revealing TiO2 and PET peaks undetectable by IR alone

The combined platform enables direct comparison of IR and Raman spectra from the same sampling point, improving confidence in compound identification.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The dual‐mode AIRsight microscope and AIMsight IR system streamline workflows by:

• Eliminating sample relocation between IR and Raman measurements
• Automating aperture sizing, focus, and contaminant detection
• Providing validated performance according to JP, USP, EP, and ChP guidelines
• Supporting mapping, photobleaching to reduce fluorescence, and robust data processing

This infrastructure supports contamination analysis in pharmaceuticals, electronics, food safety, and microplastics research.

Future Trends and Application Opportunities

Emerging directions include integration of AI‐driven spectrum interpretation, enhanced detectors for deeper ultraviolet and far‐IR/Raman ranges, automated high‐throughput mapping for environmental microplastic screening, and expanded use in biomedical imaging. Cloud‐based data libraries and LIMS connectivity will further accelerate routine laboratory adoption.

Conclusion

By uniting IR and Raman microscopy with a unified software interface and comprehensive validation workflows, Shimadzu’s AIRsight and AIMsight systems offer unparalleled analytical flexibility. They address critical needs for high‐resolution, multi‐modal chemical imaging and quantitative analysis across research, QA/QC, and industrial applications.

References

1. T. Hasegawa and Y. Ozaki, Experts Series for Analytical Chemistry Instrumentation: Vol. 2 Infrared Spectroscopy & Raman Spectroscopy, Kyoritsu Shuppan (2020).
2. H. Hamaguchi and K. Iwata, Spectroscopy Series 1—Raman Spectroscopy, Kodansha (2015).