Shimadzu has announced the release of the IRSpirit series of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometers. The two compact models, the IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L, have a footprint smaller than an A3 size sheet of paper. A wide sample compartment accommodates existing accessories from Shimadzu and third parties. This capability makes them the smallest and lightest FT-IR spectrophotometers in the world that can be used with optional products from other manufacturers.
The IRSpirit series also includes the dedicated IRPilot program with 23 application-specific workflows that can be utilised without involving any complicated parameter setup process. Customers can either opt for the IRSpirit-T model, which offers sensitivity equivalent to standard Shimadzu models, or for the lower-cost IRSpirit-L model. Both models have been designed to address the recent trends of combining small laboratory space with high expandability and ease of use. Because of this, the development process involved both hardware and software. From a hardware perspective, the new systems provide the same sample compartment width as Shimadzu’s higher-end models despite being only one-third of their size. For software, a new program allows operators with minimal analytical experience to acquire high-quality data.
Even though the IRSpirit series instruments are small and compact, the systems are as fully controlled as higher-end versions. Status monitoring is also available as well as a diagnostic function. The IRSpirit series have an automatic accessory recognition which is able to assist users during the parameter selection needed for a specific accessory.
The newly developed IRPilot software program allows users to quickly start 23 different analysis workflows for applications such as identification tests, contaminant analysis, quantitative analysis and film thickness calculations. The program can be executed by simply selecting the purpose and techniques for analysis, which enables inexperienced FT-IR operators to easily start analysis. The program also includes functionality for registering previously performed analyses, which simplifies the process for frequently performed analyses.
