The new high performance Prestige 21 FTIR Spectrometer has a spectral range of 12500 to 240cm-1 and is configured for sensitive yet robust analysis in the far, mid and near IR regions. Validation software conforming to Pharmacopoeia and ASTM regulations is supplied as standard and all comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 A wide range of accessories is available for use with the system, including the Quickstart range which features auto-recognition.

Fourier Transform from the near - to far - IR region

Shimadzu introduces a new generation of FTIR instruments in the infrared product line with the IRPrestige-21. This new instrument is a conception for high sensitivity as well as for broad applications in the research and development area. The IRPrestige-21 is an outstanding addition to the already existing FTIR product line, which is suitable for general laboratory applications.

Keyword: Sensitivity
The sensitivity of an instrument is of major significance for amultitude of applications, which require a high-performance system. The IRPrestige-21 reaches this level via an appropriate light source, a high-performance ceramics. The light beam is guided through the interferometer using gold-plated mirrors with high reflectance. This performance, of course, requires an appropriate detector system: for the mid-infrared range this is a temperature controlled DLATGS detector, which is appropriately stabilised and therrefore more sensitive.

Keyword: Reliability
The large number of tests, to which the system is subjected, reveals the reliability of an instrument. These tests are supported via the hardware and software. The condition of the instrument is registered during operation and retrievable at any time ("Status Monitor"). Patented processes for optimisation of the interferomeeter, such as ADA (Advanced Dynamic Alignment) and FJS (Flexible Joint Support) ensure stable and reproducible operation of the instrument.

This is why the IRPrestige-21 only requires short warm-up times and short adjustment times after exchanging a beam splitter. The sensitive interferometer part is stabilised by three additional internal protection functions. Important are the sealed optics of the interferometer as well as the automatic drying function and the protective layer which shields the hygroscopic beam splitter from air humidity. This concept of reliability is based on requirements of European and Japanese Pharmacopoeia and ASTM regulations. The system is tested according to ASTM 14221. This includes an energy test, a 100% T-line test and a test using polystyrene films. the Pharmacopoeia tests include the energy profile as well as resolution, wavelength accuracy, wavelength reproducibility and transmission reproducibility using a polystyrene film.

Keyword: Performance
Performance is of course the key issue when concidering applications. The most outstanding feature of the IRPrestige-21 is the possibility to convert the system, for example to cover a measuring range from 12,000 -240 cm-1 (0.8 up to 41,660 micrometer). This way it is now possible to work outside of the standard middle-infrared range. Applications in the near- and far-infrared regions are also possible. light sources, beam splitters and detectors can be exchanged and subsequently "recognised" and adjusted with the ADA system. Ceramic light source (MIR, FIR) and a halogen lamp (NIR) and beam splitters such as KBr(MIR), CsJ(FIR) and CaF2(NIR) are available. All this is supported with an appropriate choice of detectors such as the DLATGS (MIR,FIR), MCT (MIR) and InGaAs (NIR). The MCT detector is an extremely light sensitive detector for trace analysis or for weakly absorbing compounds. the standard system supports the application areas via ahigh resolution of up to 0.5 cm-1 and a high signal to noise ratio of 40,000:1.

In modern infrared spectroscopy it is possible to employ a multitude of accessories. In order to support the user in accessory recognition function. When the accessory is installed, the IRSolution software indicates which type of accessory and corresponding ID number is used and suggests a suitable set of parameters.

Keyword: User orientation
Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that the IRSolution software is extremely user-friendly. It is a software package, which is not only suitable for the complex tasks in research and development but can also be used in routine quality control and quality assurance. In addition, the IRSolution software complies with GLP/GMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 9000 requirements.