Description
Automated ATR Sampling
The development of an automated attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory on a non-micro scale has been elusive despite ATR being the most popular mid-IR sampling technique due to its ease-of-use and small fixed pathlength. The primary advantage of FTIR-ATR measurements is minimal sample preparation. However, cleaning of the ATR crystal after every measurement is mandatory and has hindered the development of a commercial automated ATR in the past. With new innovations these challenges have been met and the advantages of automation are realized with the introduction of the AutoATR by PIKE Technologies. This new sampling accessory greatly enhances productivity of large-scale studies and facilitates routine measurements for high-throughput labs. The accessory is suitable for making ATR measurements of liquids, gels, pastes, casted films and more.
The AutoATR merges an exciting new ATR crystal developed via microtechnology with a microtiter plate platform offering precision mechanics and automated software control. Using a 24-well microtiter plate format enables 24 unique ATR measurements to be conducted within one run. At the heart of this accessory is a single reflection ATR crystal made from 500-μm thick silicon functionalized with multiple microprisms, which couples the light into the crystal. The dimensions of an individual crystal are 9 mm x 11 mm; the ATR active area is 7 mm x 9 mm. Each 24-well plate consists of 24 individual and removable Si ATR crystals.
