Mobile material analysis by NIR spectrometer in sugar cube format
The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS will be presenting an extremely miniaturized near-infrared spectrometerThis device enables analysis of gaseous, liquid and solid materials immediately on site instead of taking samples for lab analysis. The optical bench is smaller than a sugar cube and thus it might fit into mobile devices as well as in automated process analysis tools.
Whether it is freshness testing of food, separation of plastics in recycling, analysis of raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry or measurements of the composition of liquids in automobile applications: in each case it is the time efficient qualitative and quantitative determination of the materials involved according to type and concentration. Spectroscopy, here the analysis of light scattered or attenuated by the material, is predestined for these types of applications. Measurements take place without direct contact and non-destructive to the samples.
Despite these advantages and while today’s market does offer many spectrometers for lab use there are few systems for simple on-location measurements. There are two major reasons for this: First most of these instruments use one or two dimensional photodiode arrays of III-V semiconductors like indium-gallium-arsenide, which inflate costs, and second they are voluminous for technological reasons. With miniaturized grating spectrometers this will change, says Dr. Heinrich Grüger, who is responsible for the »Sensors and Actuators Systems« business unit at Fraunhofer IPMS, where the spectrometer has been developed. »Our new hybrid-integrated system has a volume of 2.1 cm³ only, which is about 30% smaller than a common sugar cube. Due to its small outline and low power consumption of only a few milliwatts, it is ideal for integration into mobile measurement instruments and in situ measurements in facilities and buildings.«
With Fraunhofer IPMS scanning grating spectrometers, the light is diffracted on a movable optical grating realized in a MEMS technology. The device utilizes a resonantly driving principle of the grating which enables to scan a spectrum with a single highly sensitive detector instead of an array arrangement. The central element of the spectrometer is a MEMS chip which has been developed by Fraunhofer IPMS and measures just (9.5 × 5.3 × 0.5) mm³. The scientists realize this MEMS scanner featuring the diffraction grating and both optical slits directly on silicon wafers. A single 6″ silicon wafer is large enough for chips for hundreds of spectrometers on it. Applying hybrid-integration of the MEMS wafer with a spacer and an optical mirror substrate of identical size would mean that hundreds of spectrometers can be manufactured instantly. They are aligned and assembled and then separated into individual spectrometers. This means that the scientists don’t have to adjust the mirrors, gratings, slits and detectors piece by piece like required with conventional spectrometers. The advantage is clear: An enormous reduction in manufacturing costs. In addition, the MEMS based systems are distinctly more robust than conventional components manufactured with fine mechanics.
Other news from the department science
![[Fe]-hydrogenase catalysis visualized using para-hydrogen-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy](https://img.chemie.de/Portal/News/675fd46b9b54f_sBuG8s4sS.png?tr=w-712,h-534,cm-extract,x-0,y-16:n-xl)
These products might interest you
NEX CG II by Applied Rigaku Technologies
Elemental analysis at ppb level for exact results
Agera by HunterLab Europe
Measure color and gloss level simultaneously - in seconds
Easy-to-use colorimeter: standard-compliant, robust and precise
Microspectrometer by Hamamatsu Photonics
Ultra-compact microspectrometer for versatile applications
Precise Raman, UV/VIS and NIR measurements in portable devices
ERASPEC by eralytics
Spectral Fuel Analysis in Seconds with ERASPEC
Fast delivery of over 40 fuel parameters at the push of a button
INVENIO by Bruker
FT-IR spectrometer of the future: INVENIO
Freely upgradeable and configurable FT-IR spectrometer
ALPHA II by Bruker
Chemical analysis made easy: compact FT-IR system
Increase the efficiency of your routine analyses with user-friendly technology
contrAA 800 by Analytik Jena
contrAA 800 Series – Atomic Absorption. Redefined
The best of classical atomic absorption and ICP-OES spectrometry are combined in the contrAA 800
SPECORD PLUS by Analytik Jena
SPECORD PLUS Series - Maximum precision in UV/Vis
The modern classic guarantees the highest quality
PlasmaQuant 9100 by Analytik Jena
PlasmaQuant 9100 Series of ICP-OES Instruments
Reveal the Details That Matter
ZEEnit by Analytik Jena
Zeeman Technology for Maximum Sensitivity – Matching any Analytical Problem
Transverse-heated graphite furnace for optimum atomization conditions and high sample throughput
NANOPHOX CS by Sympatec
Particle size analysis in the nano range: Analyzing high concentrations with ease
Reliable results without time-consuming sample preparation
2060 Raman Analyzer by Metrohm
Self-calibrating inline Raman spectrometer
Analyze solids, liquids and gases - for reproducible, accurate results in the process
S2 PICOFOX by Bruker
Fast and precise trace element analysis on the move
TXRF technology for minimal samples and maximum efficiency
S4 T-STAR by Bruker
TXRF spectrometer: Sub-ppb detection limits & 24/7 analytics
Minimal operating costs because no gases, media or lab equipment are required
novAA® 800 by Analytik Jena
The Analyzer 4 You - novAA 800-Series
The reliable all-rounder, making routine analysis efficient and cost-effective
PlasmaQuant MS Elite by Analytik Jena
LC-ICP-MS Is the Key to the World of Elemental Species
Highest Sensitivity and Lowest Detection Limits with PlasmaQuant MS Series and PQ LC
Micro-Z ULS by Rigaku
Accurately measure sulphur content in fuels: WDXRF analyser
Reliable routine analyses with 0.3 ppm detection limit and compact design
ZSX Primus IVi by Rigaku
High-precision WDXRF analysis for industrial applications
Maximum sensitivity and throughput for light elements and complex samples
BIOS ANALYTIQUE - Soluciones de Renting y Leasing para laboratorios by Bios Analytique
Specialists in the rental and leasing of scientific equipment for laboratories throughout Europe
Whether you have an unexpected requirement or limited budget, we have the perfect solution for you
SPECTRO ARCOS by SPECTRO Analytical Instruments
The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for highest demands
The top-of-line SPECTRO ARCOS ICP-OES analyzer evolves elemental analysis to the next level
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
