Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X FTIR Microscope, the latest advancement in FTIR microscopy designed to make chemical analysis of microscopic samples more accessible, intuitive and efficient for laboratories. Combining high-definition optical microscopy with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) microspectroscopy, the RaptIR X microscope helps users pinpoint microscopic features and identify their molecular composition, supporting a wide range of applications from identifying polymers and microplastics and analyzing pharmaceutical formulations, to investigating material failures and characterizing materials in forensic, art conservation and geological research.
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Vibrational Spectroscopy
Built on 50 years of Nicolet innovation in FTIR spectroscopy, the RaptIR X microscope is designed to simplify FTIR microscopy for both experienced spectroscopists and users new to the application. The microscope is operated through the intuitive Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm Software, which provides guided workflows for sample acquisition and analysis, helping streamline the path from measurement to molecular insight.
“The RaptIR X microscope brings the speed, precision and flexibility laboratories need to investigate increasingly complex samples, while making advanced FTIR microscopy easier to use than ever before,” said Ganesh Prasad, General Manager, Vibrational Spectroscopy Products at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It's a platform that reflects our commitment to innovation - giving laboratories the confidence to move from a microscopic observation to a molecular answer, quickly and reliably.”
Example Applications
- Materials science and characterization, including polymers and microplastics
- Pharmaceutical research and formulation analysis
- Failure analysis and quality assurance
- Forensic analysis
- Art conservation and analysis of historical materials
- Geological and mineral characterization, materials research and other advanced applications
Features/Benefits
- High-speed chemical analysis: Collect up to 10 spectra per second at 5-micron spatial resolution, supporting rapid chemical mapping of large sample areas and helping users move from sample to results more efficiently.
- High-resolution imaging: 1-micron visible resolution and 5-micron infrared resolution enable users to precisely visualize microscopic features and identify their molecular composition.
- Large-sample handling: A heavy-duty stage accommodates samples up to 40 mm thick and weighing up to 5 kg, supporting laboratories working with large or challenging samples.
- Automated and reproducible analysis: Automated detector switching and a fixed detector position help reduce manual intervention and support consistent measurements across different measurement ranges.
- Flexible, expandable platform: The modular RaptIR X microscope can operate as a standalone system or integrate with Nicolet Apex or Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometers. Optional capabilities, including micro-ATR, polarized visible and infrared analysis, fluorescence visualization, near-infrared microscopy, grazing angle optics and additional detectors, allow laboratories to configure the platform for their evolving needs.