FT-IR spectrometer with IR-microscope and microplate reader

• Subject Area: Geography ; Geology and Palaeontology
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 515892678

Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) is considered one of the most important physical measurement techniques and is used in almost all areas of chemical analysis due to its versatility and reliability. A major advantage of IR spectroscopy over other measurement techniques is its ease of sample handling: even very small amounts of substance are sufficient to obtain unambiguous measurement results. In terms of the measurement method, gases, liquids and solids can be measured, but the focus of the applicant will be on measurements of solids. The instrument we are looking for will be used for a variety of different geoscientific applications and must therefore be able to measure with high reliability and accuracy. In addition to standard applications in the mid-IR range, applications in the far IR range (e.g., analyses of carbonate samples) make it necessary for the instrument to have spectral range extension capabilities. For measurements on polymer granules (e.g. microplastics), an ATR (attenuated total reflection) unit is required in the sample chamber. This also allows shaped solid pieces as well as powders and thin films to be measured. Due to the often extremely small geoscience sample sizes coupled with the need for spatially resolved analyses, the basic Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer must be combined with a high-end IR research microscope, and in order to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses, reflectance and transmission measurements must be possible. Since the already foreseeable demand for automated IR spectroscopic high-throughput analyses in reflection and transmission modes is constantly growing, the basic instrument must furthermore be expanded by a microplate reader. This will allow up to 96 samples to be measured without manual sample changes.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: FT-IR Spektrometer mit IR-Mikroskop und Mikrotiterplattenleser
• Instrumentation Group: 1830 Fourier-Transform-IR-Spektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Astrid Holzheid