3D Printing for Low-Cost and Versatile Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique.
• Commercial ATR accessories can be expensive and lack customization.
• 3D printing offers a potential solution for creating cost-effective and tailored optical instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a fully 3D-printed module for ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.
• To evaluate the module's performance, robustness, and ease of use.
• To demonstrate the module's versatility across different scientific applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized rapid prototyping and theoretical considerations for module design.
• Integrated cost-efficient silicon and germanium ATR crystals into the 3D-printed setup.
• Tested the module for monitoring adhesive curing and analyzing biological samples (E. coli, BSA).

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed ATR module demonstrates robustness, ease of sample application, and low noise levels comparable to commercial systems.
• The module features interchangeable multibounce ATR crystals with long interaction pathlengths.
• Successful monitoring of polymerization processes and acquisition of mid-IR spectra from biological samples were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printed ATR module provides a cost-effective and versatile alternative to commercial systems.
• 3D printing enables the creation of customized optical instruments for specific analytical needs.
• This technology broadens access to advanced ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for research and industry.