New, Improved 128 Pixel Variable Filter Array IR Spectrometer Unveiled at Pittcon ‘08

Wilks Enterprise Inc (USA) introduced a new InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer with a 128 pixel detector array that provides expanded capabilities and better performance, including 75x increase in signal-tonoise ratio, 1.5x improvement in spectral resolution, and updated calibration wizard with Chemometric PLS capabilities. Visitors to Wilks’ Pittcon booth (2908)the first to view the analyser in the flesh.
The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer represents a new concept in mid-IR instrumentation which utilizes a detector array with linear variable filter. This results in a compact, portable spectrometer that has a number of advantages over conventional Infrared instruments such as the widely-used FT-IR Spectrometer. These advantages include no optical path through air, no moving parts, light weight (under 5 lbs), portable (battery operated), rugged, and low cost. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer will supplement FT-IR capability in plant or field locations where it is not feasible or economical to use FT-IR instruments. It is designed to provide spectral data on a wide variety of samples, as well as numeric concentration data with a Pass/Fail material verification display. It is ideal for such applications as process monitoring (PAT), quality control, materials verification, environmental testing and biofuels analysis. Standard spectral ranges include 2.5 - 4.8 micrometre, 5.4 - 10.8 micrometre, and 9 – 14 micrometre.
The patented InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer consists of an ATR sample plate or transmission sample stage with an elongated, pulsable source mounted close to one end and a linear variable filter attached to a detector array mounted close to the other end. The spectrometer is usable in plant, field and laboratory environments. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer can be used like an FT-IR Spectrometer; however,much of the software program has been geared towards repetitive process analysis applications.