Nicolet™ iN10 MX FTIR imaging microscope (Thermo Scientific™)
Publication date: 20/03/2025
Research
The NicoletTM iN10 MX microscope offers fast, non-destructive imaging and characterization of materials using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy. The infrared signal can be detected in transmission, reflection or attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode. Imaging is hyperspectral, i.e., all pixels in the images collected correspond to FTIR spectra, which can then be analyzed individually to characterize and locate compositional heterogeneities within the sample. Spectromicroscope control and data processing are carried out using OmnicTM PictaTM and OmnicTM SpectaTM softwares (Thermo ScientificTM). Several mineral and organic compound databases are available (including in-house databases).
Practically:
● The sample must be solid; depending on the type of analysis, preparation may be required
● Minimum sample size of 50 μm
● Spatial resolution down to 10-20 μm in transmission and reflection mode and 4 μm in ATR mode
● DTGS and liquid nitrogen cooled MCT-A detectors
● Spectral detection range from 700 to 4000 cm-1 (mid-infrared, MIR)
● Spectral resolution down to 4 cm-1
co-funds SESAME (Région Ile de France)/Université Paris Cité-IPGP
Caption:
The FTIR imaging microscope Nicolet™ iN10 MX can be used to acquire 2D hyperspectral images over large areas and identify the various components and their distribution within various types of samples (above, maps in transmission of a thin section of hydrated oceanic rock crosscut by veins within which the presence of organic compounds is highlighted; modified from Pasini et al., 2013; similarly below, organic and mineral assemblages are jointly characterized post mortem in transmission in a diamond anvil cell gasket; modified from Tao et al., 2025).
