Hamamatsu FTIR Spectrometer Engine C15511-01

Overview

The Hamamatsu C15511-01 is a fully integrated, portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer engine engineered for OEM integration into handheld analyzers, process monitoring systems, and field-deployable chemical identification platforms. Unlike conventional benchtop FTIR instruments relying on macro-scale Michelson interferometers, the C15511-01 leverages Hamamatsu’s proprietary micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to miniaturize the core optical path—including the moving mirror assembly, beam splitter, and detector—into a monolithic, hermetically sealed module measuring less than 80 mm × 60 mm × 30 mm. Its operational principle adheres strictly to the fundamentals of Fourier-transform spectroscopy: broadband near-infrared (NIR) light from an external source (e.g., tungsten-halogen or superluminescent LED) is directed via fiber-optic coupling into the engine, where it undergoes interference in a MEMS-based Michelson configuration; the resulting interferogram is digitized and Fourier-transformed in real time to yield high-fidelity absorbance or reflectance spectra across the 1100–2500 nm range. This spectral window encompasses key overtones and combination bands of C–H, O–H, and N–H bonds—enabling quantitative analysis of organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and agricultural materials without sample preparation.

Key Features

• MEMS-based Michelson interferometer with sub-millisecond mirror scan repeatability, ensuring high spectral reproducibility across thermal and mechanical stress conditions
• Fiber-optic input interface (SMA 905 compatible), enabling flexible optical path design and remote sampling up to 2 m
• Integrated control electronics including analog-to-digital converter (16-bit), FPGA-based real-time interferogram processing, and USB 2.0 host communication
• Thermally stabilized optical bench with passive compensation for ambient temperature drift (±0.5 °C operating range: 10–40 °C)
• No moving parts external to the MEMS chip—no alignment required post-integration; designed for >10⁶ operational cycles
• Low power consumption (<1.2 W typical), suitable for battery-powered portable instrumentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C15511-01 is optimized for diffuse reflectance, transmission, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) configurations when integrated with appropriate sampling accessories. It supports solid, liquid, and semi-solid samples—including tablets, granules, films, and slurries—without internal modification. As an OEM engine, it does not include sample chambers or regulatory certifications per se; however, final integrated instruments may be validated against ISO 17025 for testing laboratories or aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when paired with compliant software architecture. The spectral data output conforms to ASTM E1421-22 (Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (FT-MIR) Spectrometers) and supports calibration traceability to NIST-traceable reference standards (e.g., polyethylene film for wavenumber accuracy, rare-earth oxide filters for photometric linearity).

Software & Data Management

Hamamatsu provides the C15511-01 SDK (Software Development Kit) for Windows and Linux, including C/C++ APIs, Python bindings, and example applications for spectral acquisition, phase correction, apodization, and zero-filling. Raw interferograms and processed spectra are exported in standard formats (CSV, JCAMP-DX v6, and HDF5), facilitating interoperability with chemometric platforms such as Unscrambler X, MATLAB, or Python-based scikit-learn pipelines. The SDK supports synchronized triggering with external sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, or position encoders), enabling time-resolved or spatially resolved hyperspectral mapping. Audit trails, user access logs, and electronic signature support must be implemented at the system-integration level—consistent with GLP/GMP documentation workflows.

Applications

• Real-time quality control of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients during tablet manufacturing
• In-field soil nutrient analysis (e.g., organic carbon, moisture, clay content) using handheld NIR probes
• Non-destructive authentication of polymers and recycled plastics in sorting facilities
• Process analytical technology (PAT) deployment for continuous bioreactor monitoring (e.g., glucose, lactate, viable cell density estimation)
• Embedded spectral engines in food safety scanners for rapid detection of adulterants (e.g., melamine in dairy powders)
• Research-grade portable spectrometers for planetary analog studies and environmental field campaigns

FAQ

Is the C15511-01 supplied with a built-in light source?

No—it is a spectrometer engine only, requiring an external broadband NIR source compatible with its fiber-optic input.
Can the resolution be improved beyond 5.7 nm?

Resolution is fixed by the MEMS mirror travel range and sampling rate; no user-adjustable resolution settings are provided.
Does Hamamatsu provide factory calibration certificates?

Yes—each unit ships with a spectral calibration report referencing NIST-traceable standards, including wavenumber accuracy (±0.5 cm⁻¹) and photometric linearity (±1% T).
What is the maximum recommended fiber length for optimal SNR?

For SNR preservation, Hamamatsu recommends ≤1.5 m of low-OH silica fiber with NA ≤0.22.
Is the module compliant with RoHS and REACH directives?

Yes—the C15511-01 meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), with full material declarations available upon request.