Say goodbye to the elusive art of KBr pellet making and messy NaCl plates (along with the variability they introduce) with the department’s new FT-IR spectrometer and ATR accessory. The PerkinElmer Spectrum Two is the gold standard for rapid IR measurements and the ATR zinc selenide crystal is perfect for generation of an evanescent wave that penetrates any sample (pH range 5-9).
Apply just enough pressure on the clamp to ensure a 1 micrometer intimacy and you’re on your way to spectral heaven. There’s even a nifty preview feature in the software which allows you to optimize contact before scanning to prevent scratching. An installed humidity sensor detects the best time to change desiccants, perfect for the rainy seasons we’ve been having (a.k.a. optics killers). Still curious about how this incredible technology works? The vid below depicts the S2 in action. (Click here to learn more about IR spectroscopy with correlation table.)
You’re right. It’s really cool. There is literally zero sample preparation. Also, it’s non-destructive! Thanks for helping me out with my samples today.