Pike Technologies 16x-xxx Infrared Polarizer

Overview

The Pike Technologies 16x-xxx Infrared Polarizer is a precision optical component engineered for polarization-resolved Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Designed to operate within the mid-infrared spectral range (typically 4000–400 cm⁻¹), it enables controlled linear polarization of incident IR radiation prior to interaction with the sample. Based on stressed-Ge or wire-grid technology—depending on the specific 16x-xxx variant—the polarizer delivers high extinction ratios (>1000:1) and minimal insertion loss across its operational bandwidth. Its mechanical design conforms to the industry-standard 2″ × 3″ sample holder footprint, ensuring seamless integration into commercial benchtop FTIR systems from Thermo Fisher, Bruker, PerkinElmer, and Nicolet without adapter modification. The Ø20 mm clear aperture supports robust beam alignment while accommodating typical collimated or focused IR beams used in transmission, reflection-absorption, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) configurations.

Key Features

• Two operational variants: manually rotated for routine qualitative studies, and motorized for reproducible, software-driven angular sequencing
• High angular repeatability: ±0.5° for motorized units; ±2° for manual units—critical for quantitative dichroic analysis and orientation-dependent measurements
• Optimized for compatibility with Pike’s full accessory ecosystem, including the 80° fixed-angle mirror, variable-angle ATR cells, and grazing-angle (AGA) reflection stages
• Robust aluminum housing with precision-machined rotation stage and engraved angular scale (0–360° in 1° increments)
• No thermal drift or birefringence under standard laboratory conditions; stable performance across ambient temperature ranges (15–30°C)
• Compatible with vacuum- and purged-optics FTIR environments when installed upstream of the sample compartment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 16x-xxx polarizer imposes no intrinsic limitations on sample type—solid films, polymer sheets, oriented fibers, Langmuir–Blodgett monolayers, and anisotropic crystals are routinely analyzed using this component. Its use supports compliance with ASTM E1421–22 (“Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (FT-MIR) Spectrometers”) and ISO 1833–17 (for fiber orientation analysis). When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs), motorized operation—paired with AutoPRO™—enables audit-trail-capable method execution per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including user authentication, parameter logging, and timestamped spectral metadata.

Software & Data Management

Motorized 16x-xxx units integrate natively with Pike’s AutoPRO™ software suite via RS-232 or USB virtual COM port. AutoPRO™ allows users to define multi-angle acquisition sequences (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), synchronize polarizer position with interferometer mirror velocity, and export angle-stamped spectra in standard JCAMP-DX format. All positional commands and system responses are logged in ASCII text files for traceability. No proprietary drivers are required—Windows-compatible HID-class communication ensures compatibility with third-party platforms such as OPUS (Bruker) and OMNIC (Thermo) via macro scripting interfaces.

Applications

• Quantitative assessment of molecular orientation in stretched polymers and thin-film coatings
• Dichroic ratio calculations for protein secondary structure analysis in membrane-bound systems
• Angle-resolved reflection-absorption IR spectroscopy (RAIRS) of self-assembled monolayers on metal substrates
• Polarization modulation studies in chiral or liquid crystalline materials
• Validation of optical alignment in custom-built IR ellipsometers or dual-polarization interferometers
• Calibration reference for polarimetric detector response characterization

FAQ

Can the 16x-xxx polarizer be mounted directly onto non-Pike accessories?
Yes—custom mounting brackets and kinematic adapters are available upon request. Contact technical support with your accessory model number and mechanical interface specifications.
Is vacuum compatibility guaranteed?
The standard unit is rated for ambient and dry-air-purged environments. Vacuum-rated versions (with low-outgassing adhesives and stainless-steel hardware) are offered as optional configurations.
Does motorized control require external power beyond USB?
No—the integrated stepper motor and controller draw power exclusively via USB 2.0; no auxiliary power supply is needed.
How is angular zero calibrated?
Each unit ships with a factory-measured zero-reference point, verified using a HeNe laser alignment fixture. Users may perform field recalibration using a linearly polarized reference source and lock-in detection.
Are replacement optics available for damaged polarizing elements?
Yes—individual Ge-based or wire-grid elements can be ordered separately under Pike part numbers P16X-GE-REPL and P16X-WG-REPL, respectively.