PIKE UpIR™ External Large-Sample Diffuse Reflectance Accessory
| Brand | PIKE |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | 16x-xxx |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The PIKE UpIR™ External Large-Sample Diffuse Reflectance Accessory is an engineered optical interface designed for Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy systems. Unlike conventional internal diffuse reflectance accessories that require sample insertion into the instrument’s sample compartment, the UpIR™ operates externally—positioning the measurement stage outside the spectrometer housing. This architecture leverages the fundamental principle of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, where infrared radiation incident on a powdered or heterogeneous solid sample undergoes multiple scattering events within the bulk material; the resulting backscattered radiation is collected and analyzed to yield chemically specific absorption features. The accessory is optimized for mid-infrared (MIR, 4000–400 cm⁻¹) and near-infrared (NIR, 14000–4000 cm⁻¹) spectral ranges, enabling direct, non-destructive analysis of oversized, irregular, or container-bound specimens without physical relocation or preparation.
Key Features
- External mounting configuration eliminates constraints imposed by standard FTIR sample compartment dimensions—supports samples up to 200 mm × 200 mm × 100 mm (L × W × H) with no need for sectioning or grinding.
- Monolithic mirror assembly fabricated from high-purity aluminum with protected gold coating ensures broadband reflectivity (>98% across 4000–400 cm⁻¹), minimal polarization dependence, and long-term thermal and mechanical stability.
- Precision-aligned optical path incorporates collimated beam geometry and optimized collection angle (30° incidence / 30° collection), maximizing signal throughput while minimizing specular reflection artifacts.
- Compatible with major benchtop FTIR platforms including Varian (now Agilent), Shimadzu IRTracer series, Bruker Tensor and ALPHA systems, and PerkinElmer Spectrum Two/Three instruments via standardized kinematic mounting interfaces.
- Modular design supports field-upgradable configurations: heated stage option (up to 200 °C, ±0.5 °C stability), motorized XYZ stage for automated multi-point mapping, and NIR-optimized optics with quartz-coated mirrors.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UpIR™ accessory accommodates a broad range of solid-state materials—including pharmaceutical tablets, polymer sheets, geological cores, agricultural grains, and packaged reference standards—without requiring pelletization, KBr dilution, or ATR crystal contact. Its open-stage geometry permits in-situ analysis of samples sealed in glass vials, plastic containers, or metal cans, preserving integrity for regulated workflows. The accessory conforms to ASTM E1421–22 (Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of FTIR Spectrometers) and supports method validation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements. When integrated with compliant FTIR systems operating under 21 CFR Part 11–enabled software environments, it supports audit-trail generation, electronic signatures, and secure data archiving per GLP/GMP documentation standards.
Software & Data Management
No proprietary control software is required—the UpIR™ functions as a passive optical module fully recognized by native instrument control suites (e.g., OPUS, Spectrum, Analyst, LabSolutions). Spectral acquisition parameters—including scan number, resolution (down to 0.25 cm⁻¹), apodization, and zero-filling—are configured directly through the host spectrometer interface. All spectral data inherit the instrument’s metadata schema (date/time stamp, operator ID, instrument serial, calibration status), ensuring traceability. Export formats include JCAMP-DX (.dx), ASCII (.csv), and vendor-neutral .spc, facilitating integration with LIMS, Chemometrics platforms (e.g., Pirouette, Unscrambler), and regulatory submission packages.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC: Direct quantification of API content and polymorphic form in intact blister packs or HDPE bottles using NIR-optimized configuration.
- Materials Science: Depth-profiling of multilayer polymer films via variable-angle illumination and spatially resolved mapping.
- Environmental Analysis: Rapid screening of soil contaminants (e.g., hydrocarbons, heavy metal oxides) in field-collected bulk samples without homogenization.
- Food Safety: Non-contact moisture, protein, and fat assessment in whole cereal grains or cheese blocks using MIR diffuse reflectance calibration models.
- Forensics: Identification of unknown powders (e.g., illicit substances, explosives residues) retained in evidence bags without opening or transferring.
FAQ
Is the UpIR™ compatible with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessories?
No—it is a dedicated diffuse reflectance interface; however, both modalities can be deployed sequentially on the same FTIR platform using interchangeable mounting brackets.
Can I perform quantitative analysis with this accessory?
Yes—when paired with validated PLS or MLR calibration models developed using NIST-traceable reference materials and following ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
Does the accessory require realignment when switching between MIR and NIR configurations?
No—optical alignment is factory-set and maintained via kinematic mounts; only wavelength-range-specific detector and source modules require substitution.
What maintenance is required for long-term performance stability?
Annual verification of mirror reflectivity using certified reference standards (e.g., NIST SRM 1921b) and inspection of kinematic interface wear—no user-serviceable optical adjustments are necessary.
Is technical support available for method development?
Yes—PIKE Technologies provides application engineering consultation, including spectral preprocessing protocol optimization and compliance documentation templates for FDA/EMA submissions.
