Daylight Solutions introduces SperoTM, the world’s first commercially available laser-based infrared (IR) chemical imaging microscopy platform. Spero enables a paradigm shift in chemical imaging and spectroscopy by leveraging three of Daylight’s recent technological breakthroughs: (1) ultra-high-brightness, broadly tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources (2) high-NA, wide-field refractive objective optics, and (3) large format, broadband uncooled IR cameras. A whole new world of research possibilities is now available.
Benefits of the Spero Infrared Microscopy System
The key benefits of the Spero Infrared microscopy system are:
- The Spero is powered by broadly tunable quantum cascade laser technology and is developed primarily for studying materials and biomedical research samples.
- The Spero combines features as real-time imaging in live mode, superior visibility, and a compact footprint into a single system.
- The microscope offers excellent image resolution with an ultra-wide field of view.
- These features enable researchers to record micron-scale features and also cover large areas in a very short time span for high throughput applications.
- The system offers highly accurate spectral data for precise identification of chemical and molecular components of heterogenous complicated samples and functions in the feature-rich mid-infrared region.
- When compared to FTIR-based instruments, this system can collect high-resolution, full-spectrum hyperspectral data cubes in a very short time-span.
- The novel “live mode” capability helps users to observe samples with discrete infrared frequency illumination, enabling real-time imaging of individual spectral features.
- All these features are integrated in a compact, desktop form factor requiring only 115VAC for operation. No special environment or liquid nitrogen cooling is required.
Figure 1 shows the linear array FTIR, FPA FTIR, and Spero images.
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Figure 1. Spero provides high resolution with a wide field of view
Conclusion
Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Michael Walsh stated that he was able to accomplish much more with the Spero system when compared to FTIR based imaging systems. The spectral imaging software contained within the Spero is highly convenient and elegant allowing both expert and new users to rapidly generate chemical images and precise spectral information.
In order to enable customized workflows to meet user needs, intuitive automation and scripting features are integrated into the system. With a context-aware and user-centric approach to software development, the complete capabilities of the Spero microscope can be used to enable research across different chemical imaging applications.
The President of Daylight Solutions states that the quality of imaging offered by Spero is unsurpassable as far as current instruments are concerned and truly represents a breakthrough in chemical imaging. He also added that Spero will find applications in drug discovery, cancer research, materials manufacturing and food safety.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Daylight Solutions Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Daylight Solutions Inc.