Environmental Laboratory

New IR Spectrophotometer Provides High-Speed Spectral Data

Jul 26 2009

Spectral Products (USA) announces the launch of SM301-FCM, a new portable IR Spectrometer that provides high-speed spectra in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron wavelength region. Available worldwide, SM301-FCM is a portable and ruggedized instrument now available at a fraction of the cost of conventional spectrophotometers.

The spectrometer employs a 256 element lead sulfide (PbS) detector array to generate spectra in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron wavelength region. After initial calibration, which typically takes less than one minute, data for all 256 wavelengths is generated simultaneously and continuously. The detector array is thermoelectrically cooled ensuring long-term operating stability. A tungsten halogen lamp is used as the light source and is stable after a power-on warm up period of ten minutes. The instrument has been uniquely designed without moving parts, providing enhanced signal/noise and sensitivity and incorporates readily available industry standard components. The detector and light source with electronics are built into a rugged aluminum case. At less than 20 pounds the instrument also provides portability for remote and industrial process control applications. Operation of the unit for research is easy with the included Windows based analysis software through a USB interface. The software includes a wide range of options including saving data for analysis by Chemometric software. Conventional spectrophotometers cost upwards of $100K, are large in size, can require extensive calibration processes and take1.5 to 8 hours to generate spectra through scanning processes. The SM301-FCM is revolutionary at one quarter of the cost; no moving parts with data available minutes after power-on. Companies, universities, and agencies with limited budgets can now afford an infrared spectrometer due to the low cost and portability of the SM301-FCM. The unit is used to generate transmission spectra for liquids and solids in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron wavelength region including; alcohol, H2O, acetone, nitrogen, potassium, and various materials such as plastics.