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New opportunities in micro- and macro-attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopic imaging: spatial resolution
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Applied Spectroscopy
|December 9, 2003
Summary
New methods using attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy achieve high-resolution chemical imaging. Germanium ATR objectives and diamond ATR accessories enable detailed FT-IR imaging with improved spatial resolution for materials analysis.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
- Chemical Imaging
Background:
- Attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy offers new possibilities for chemical imaging.
- Conventional transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging has limitations in spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of high-spatial-resolution FT-IR imaging using ATR accessories.
- To investigate the performance of Germanium (Ge) ATR objectives and diamond ATR accessories for FT-IR imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a Germanium (Ge) ATR objective coupled with an infrared microscope to obtain FT-IR images.
- Employing a diamond ATR accessory for FT-IR imaging, with and without infrared microscope objectives.
Main Results:
- Achieved spatial resolution of at least 3-4 micrometers using a Ge ATR objective and infrared microscope.
- Demonstrated FT-IR imaging with a diamond ATR accessory, reaching up to 13 micrometers spatial resolution without microscope objectives.
- The high refractive index of the ATR crystal contributes to improved spatial resolution.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution chemical imaging is achievable with ATR-IR spectroscopy.
- Both Ge ATR objectives and diamond ATR accessories are effective for FT-IR imaging, offering distinct advantages in spatial resolution and sample contact.