FT-IR Microscope LUMOS II

What is the LUMOS II ?

Infrared Microscope: LUMOS II

LUMOS II features:

Superb FPA imaging performance
High-definition spectral and visual data
Novel calibrating technology PermaSure+
Ultrafast imaging data acquisition:
Huge field of view and visual resolution in the sub micrometer range
FPA imaging ATR/transmission/reflection
Standard TE-MCT detector provides high sensitivity without liquid nitrogen!
Software guided measurements support beginners and professional users
Easy access to the sample stage:handle samples of up to 40 mm in height
Fully motorized and automated hardware
Compliant to cGMP/GLP, USP, ChP, JP, Ph. Eur. and FDA 21 CFR p11
Automated OQ/PQ/pharmacopeia tests
Upgrade your system anytime if your requirements change

Anywhere. Anyone.

We believe that it is high time to make advanced techniques available to every user, regardless of their skill level. The benefits of FT-IR imaging and microscopy are too great to restrict access by cumbersome hard- and software.

We call it true FPA imaging. Why?

Because the LUMOS II elevates FT-IR imaging by making it faster, easier, more accurate and reliable – and even more fun.

To achieve this, we have tailored the LUMOS II, its software and user interface specifically to the user. Beginners get perfect results in no time, while experts are given unlimited access.

Better instrument. Better results.

Naturally, LUMOS II delivers excellent results in transmission and reflection measurements. One notable highlight, however, are the measurements in attenuated total reflection (ATR).

To cut a long story short, its ATR capabilities are unsurpassed. Period. Don‘t settle for unreliable, manual ATR accessories – get the best. Get the LUMOS.

The retractable crystal is controlled by high precision piezoelectrical motors and integrated into the lens. This allows you to enjoy a clear view of the sample while your measurement still takes place exactly where you want it.

Effortless FT-IR measurements.

Standard TE-MCT detector
No liquid nitrogen needed
No dry-air purge required
Low power consumption
Inert to high humidity
(ZnSe Optics)
Long lifetime of components including laser
Small footprint

Learn more about LUMOS II and FPA imaging in our webinar

ATR and FT-IR Microscopy

Excellence in microscopy.

Motorized ATR crystal with integrated pressure sensor
FPA imaging for ATR measurements
Switch instantly between
ATR, transmission and reflection
High precision sample stage
Perform automated measurements

Superior ATR.

The LUMOS II is as an easy-to-use, stand-alone FT-IR microscope with peak performance in any measurement mode. Whether it is transmission, reflection or attenuated total reflectance (ATR), the LUMOS II is always the right choice.

But its greatest strength is ATR microscopy.

The already amazing applicability of ATR in FT-IR microscopy is further enhanced by FPA imaging. This makes the LUMOS II a universal tool for failure analysis and product development.

Especially in particle analysis, the LUMOS II offers many visual, spectroscopic and software tools to perform a comprehensive analysis.

The advantages of ATR in microscopy.

Of course, each technique has its pros and cons but especially in FT-IR microscopy, transmission and reflection face similar boundaries that limit their applicability.

In contrast, ATR produces high quality FT-IR data of almost any sample type without prior preparation. Furthermore, it also gives you the edge when it comes to spatial resolution.

The germanium crystal acts as a solid immersion lens, improving spatial resolution by factor 4, when compared to transmission and reflection measurements. This way, you easily analyze samples as small as a few microns.

In transmission, samples must be thin enough for IR radiation to penetrate them. For most samples, this requires time-consuming sample preparation, such as the cutting of delicate microtome sections.

If small fibers or microparticles are to be examined, costly filters and pressure cells must be used that allow IR light to pass freely.

In reflection, samples require either smooth, polished and IR-reflecting surfaces or are placed on an aluminum or gold mirror. In the latter case, the samples must also be very thin to allow enough IR light to pass through to obtain a suitable IR spectrum. In addition, reflection spectra often require special data processing for evaluation.

In this analysis, a microplastic fiber was analyzed while still embedded in a sediment matrix. No sample preparation or special filters were used.

Endurance and power for applications.

For us it is a natural thing to pass on the best technology to our customers. Of course, this also applies to the LUMOS II.

The RockSolid^TM interferometer guarantees constant performance, while modern electronics ensure mechanical precision and low energy consumption. Meanwhile, the software monitors instrument effectiveness and always ensures correct functionality.

There is so much to do. Make it happen.

The applicational diversity of FT-IR imaging is more than remarkable. The example above outlines utility of ATR-FT-IR microscopy. Whether product development, failure analysis or identifying the ingredients of ancient mural paint - the LUMOS II does it all with elegance and efficiency.

Applications of LUMOS II

Polymer investigation.

FT-IR is one of the most important analytical techniques in polymer science. It is precisely in this area that infrared microscopy provides access to unparalleled levels of detail. Use it to track the causes of product defects, such as inclusions impurities and inhomogeneities. Start uncovering the chemical composition of complex materials, multilayer structures, laminates, composite materials and varnishes.

An UV active, microscopic contamination was identified with µ-FTIR.

Pharmaceuticals.

The LUMOS II is fully compliant to all pharmaceutical regulations such as cGMP, GLP FDA 21 CFR part 11 and all pharmacopeias. Automated instrument qualification tests (OQ/PQ/PhEur/PhJp/USP, further) give you time to focus on your analytical tasks: examine tablets, granules and powders, detect and identify particles and other contaminations; determine API and excipient distribution.

A tablet was analyzed with FPA imaging to assess API distribution.

Electronics.

All types of (in)organic materials are used in the production of electronic products. FT-IR spectroscopy is a universal technique that yields valuable chemical information for most samples. Therefore, FT-IR microscopy is of great help in failure and root cause analysis.

The CMOS chip of a digital camera was examined for damages and failures.

Surface analysis.

Certain surface refinements fit products to their specific purposes. This includes organic coatings like polymers and inorganic ones such as DLC depositions. FT-IR imaging is ideal to check coating homogeneity and troubleshoot irregularities.

An polymer coating showed foreign inclusions, which were analyzed and identified.

Life-science.

Analysis with micro-FT-IR provides important insights into biology. It enables the discovery of specific disease patterns, dysfunctional tissue or even new disease related biomarkers. With fast imaging capabilities and a huge field of view the LUMOS II simplifies lengthy tissue investigations.

The tissue sample of a mouse intestine was investigated for disease biomarkers.

Automotive.

In the automotive industry, FT-IR microscopy is used to examine all types of components, e.g. paints, coatings, tires, interiors, engine parts and electronics. The biggest advantage is that defects can be quickly identified and their cause determined allowing precise trouble-shooting.

A small contamination in an electrical motor housing was found and identified.

Particle analysis.

Whether it be microplastics or technical cleanliness, the investigation of particles is important. With special software features to identify particles and measure them automatically, the LUMOS is your steady partner for the analysis of any particle on any surface.

An IR transparent filter was used to analyze collected particles and fibers.

Forensics.

The tiniest detail may be of paramount importance when it comes to forensics. FT-IR microscopy is the method of choice to investigate smallest trace evidence. Analyze fibers, drugs, paints and varnishes and get to the bottom of complex analytical questions.

Layers of paint were examined in order to draw conclusions about its origin.

Environmental.

Chemical and particle contaminations strongly influence our ecosystem. Use FT-IR microscopy and imaging to assess pollution in soils, water and air. Investigate complex samples like sediments, geological samples and determine residual matter on filters.

Find more information about microplastic analysis and characterization here.

A beach sand sample was checked for microplastic particles by ATR without prior preparation.